Buying a new home is exciting, but it also can be nerve-wracking. While you tend to focus on square footage, location, and curb appeal, there’s much more to consider. Sure, you want a house with a new paint job and beautiful landscaping. However, you don’t want a house with only new paint and a pretty yard.
You don’t want to buy a house only to discover that problems start appearing. The roof leaks. The basement floods. The foundation has cracks. These are not only nuisances; they are dangerous to your family and expensive problems to fix. Keep reading to find out common issues to evaluate before you buy a home so you don’t end up in a difficult situation.
1. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
You’ll use it in the dog days of summer and during crisp winter months. It’s your home’s HVAC system. And if it needs to be repaired or replaced, it’s probably going to cost you thousands of dollars. So, before you sign any paperwork, check the house’s HVAC system.
Air conditioners and heating pumps last between 10-25 years, depending on how well they were kept. Ask how old the system is. Also, find out if it needs any major repairs, what was done, and how long ago that was.
Visually inspect the heat pump and air conditioner. Check for pools of water or cracks around the furnace and A/C compressor. Is the system rusty? Are there unusual sounds, such as grinding or pounding, when the system turns on? If you notice any of these signs, then the system is most likely in need of repair.
2. Plumbing
When inspecting a new home, be sure to evaluate the plumbing. Ask to see the water heater and find out how old it is. One that is 10 years or older is probably nearing the end of its lifespan. If there is water puddling around the base or signs of rust, the water heater will need to be replaced soon.
You’ll also want to find out about the septic lines. They can either go directly to the main line on the street or to a septic tank located on the property. You may opt to have a plumber inspect the lines. Do this if you suspect a problem, such as if there’s slow drainage. The pipes could be clogged or even collapsed. When this happens, sewage can back up into the lines. If the property has a septic tank, look for dampness, puddling, or bad odors around the tank.
You’ll also want to look over the indoor plumbing, such as the faucets, drains, and toilets. Test the water pressure by turning on taps full force. Make sure the drains empty quickly. If the water begins to pool, it may indicate a major clog. If not handled, the pipe can leak or burst. Check for leaks around the fittings. Make sure you flush the toilet and drain it properly.
3. Roof and Gutters
There’s no real easy way to inspect a roof. You won’t know its condition without trusting the seller or further action on your part. For instance, you can have a roof inspector come to evaluate the roof for you.
Ask the seller how old the roof is. Since different materials last different times, you’ll want to know what the roof is made of. Slate roofing can last over a century, clay and concrete tiles last 50-100 years, and metal roofing for 40-80 years. Roofing materials that last less than 50 years include wood shingles and asphalt shingles, so they need to be checked more regularly.
If the roof has been inspected in the past, find out if the current homeowner has a roof certification letter. Contractors often provide a letter stating that the roof was inspected. It should include the condition of the roof upon inspection and how long they think it’ll last.
4. Electrical System
Before buying a home, you’ll want to inspect the electrical system. A faulty system can lead to fire, electrocution, loss of the entire home or death. So, it’s important to make sure the system is functioning properly and not in need of repair or replacement.
Begin by checking the electrical panel. It’ll either be a fuse box or a circuit breaker. Older homes usually have fuse boxes. Most electrical panels last 30 years before requiring some type of service. Note the capacity of the electrical panel. Older homes have panels that handle 100 amps, while newer homes are built to manage closer to 200 amps. The newer electrical panels can deal with a greater number of electrical appliances and systems, which is often necessary with modern tech and devices.
Find out if the home has aluminum or copper wiring too. Aluminum is preferred, because it is more durable and less of a fire hazard. Older homes tend to have copper wiring. Check the light switches and outlets. Make sure that they are secure to the wall and do not have any scorch marks on them. Outlets should be 3-prong to handle modern electrical cords. In areas near water, like the kitchen and bathroom, outlets should be fitted with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). GFCIs cut off power if water gets into the outlet, preventing damage or fire.
Inspecting Your Future Home
It’s important to evaluate the house you intend on buying to ensure that everything is up-to-date and in working order. While a house may appear perfect, it could just be a good paint job and superficial updates. A thorough inspection of the home will allow you to find problems before they become your problem.
From the top of the roof to its foundation, every home could have hidden issues lurking in dark and dusty corners. Shining a light on these problem areas ensures that the current homeowner takes responsibility. They could either fix the system, replace it, or reduce the price of the home to cover repair costs. Make sure the home you buy is ready for you to move in and make it your own.
