House Buying Checklist
If you’re going to buy a house, you’ll likely want the one with a solid foundation, solid roof, and so on. But, what about less obvious signs that tell whether the property is worth it? Sometimes small issues can make a huge impact on your day-to-day life in a house. Here is the house buying checklist to help you make sure you’re buying the house of your dreams.
Pest Problems
Depending on the location of the house, there are pests or insects that you should be aware of. A pest problem is a red flag. Many pests destroy the foundation of the house which costs thousands of dollars to repair. The most common pests are termites, carpenter ants, and beetles. In other words, you should get a pest inspection before buying a house. The cost of it is nothing when compared to the significant amount of money it will cost to solve a pest problem.
Amateur Repairs
Of course, some homeowners can do quality repairs around their home. However, more often amateurs try to DIY something instead of hiring a professional. You should look for amateur “repairs” inside and outside the house. Most likely, you will have to fix the “repair” shortly after you buy the house.
The most common amateur jobs to watch out for are carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. When looking at the house, always keep an eye for leaky toilets, faucets, and other potential DIYs.
Spots With Fresh Paint
Fresh paint is a great way to prepare a house for sale. Painting a room doesn’t cost much and it makes it look fresh and clean. And there is nothing wrong with painting rooms before listing a house for sale. However, we would suggest looking for small spots of fresh paint. Why would an owner only cover a small part of the wall/ceiling? It is possible that an owner is trying to conceal a problem, which would definitely be a concern.
Electrical System
Issues with electrical systems can cause significant problems in the future. Older houses still have electrical panels with fuses and some houses; even have the knob and tube wiring. Of course, only a professional can determine possible issues with an electrical system but you should check simple things such as flickering lights, light switches, and outlets. The most common issues are improper wiring and problems with the electrical riser cable. Home inspectors can examine an electrical panel to ensure safety isn’t a concern.
House Orientation
The way the house is positioned affects how much light it gets. It also influences the heating and cooling of the house. If the house faces south, it will get maximum natural light but a north-facing home can also have enough natural light if it features ample windows. In the southern states, a north-facing house may be better because the temperature in the house will be lower.
Buying a house is an important decision in everyone’s life, whether you’re an experienced buyer or it’s your first time. It’s critical that you go through this house-buying checklist and look for red flags before making a decision.