5 Things to Look For Before Purchasing a New Home
When searching for a new home, the beauty of the land and the layout of the house isn’t all you have to consider. If you don’t look deeper into the house, you could end up with serious problems once you move in. Before you settle on a home, make sure you look at these aspects first.
Water Control
Believe it or not, water poses a major danger in your home. If the ground slopes toward the home, water could easily seep into the basement, which means your basement could constantly flood. With water in the basement, your home is at risk of suffering from a mold issue that could cause serious health problems in your family. Be wary of how the landscape affects the water flow and how the basement’s structure could affect water in your home. Do you see cracks in the basement floor or walls? That’s not a good sign.
When thinking about water control, you should also take a look at the faucets. Do they work properly? Does the plumbing seem like it needs a major upgrade that will cost you even more money? Take a look at the walls, ceilings, and floors. Is there evidence of water damage? If so, this is a sign that you’ll encounter more issues once you buy the home.
Sturdy Roof
The quality of your roof is important because if it lets in leaks, you risk damaging your home and your belongings. Take a look at the ceiling. Do you notice any spots from water damage? If so, remain cautious as this can impact the home’s structure and cost you for repairs in the future.
Along with making sure the rain keeps out of the house, make sure the roof is sealed and doesn’t let air in. Head to the attic and check if there’s a breeze. If there is, this could make for cold winters and hot summers. It could also end up costing you in your heating and cooling bill.
Quality Structure
If you buy a home that’s already suffering from structural damage, you’re only going to have issues further down the road. Take a look at the walls. Do they bow, or are they square in the corners and flat? Does the floor feel solid, or does it flex under your weight?
If the house doesn’t look or feel solid, it could suffer serious structural damage in the years you live there, causing you to spend massive amounts of money on repairs. New homes in Gilbert, AZ will offer this high-quality structure you’re looking for, but make sure you love the home before purchasing it.
Electrical Components
Take a good look at the electrical system in the home. Are there enough outlets to serve your needs? Is there enough power supplied to the home? If possible, talk with your realtor or the previous owners about the electrical system. Has it caused problems in the past? How much is the average electric bill? If you can, get someone to come in and test the electrical system to give you a good idea of its quality and whether it will need replacement or repairs in the near future.
Available Space
Even if you fall in love with a house, it’s not going to serve you well if there’s not enough space for you and your family. Take a look at the storage space. Will you be able to maintain your hobbies, enjoy your keepsakes, and store more items in the future, or will you have to throw things out? Are there enough bedrooms for your family members? Are you planning to have more kids, in which case you might need more bedrooms? Consider the future and how much space you’ll need 10 years down the road.
When you look at your potential home, take a checklist along with you to make sure you’re checking these issues instead of simply looking at the layout of the house. If you don’t know much about homes and building structures, consider hiring a home inspector before you finalize the sale.
Author Bio:
Alicia Rades is a freelance writer and blogger who loves giving lifestyle and writing tips. When she’s not working for clients, she’s usually updating her blog at TheWritingRealm.com. Find her on Google+.
