Take the guesswork out of buying a new home by doing your house hunting with your eyes wide open. Your home is probably the biggest purchase that you’ll ever make, which means that due diligence is the name of the game.
There is a lot that can go wrong with housing components, many of which can be pricey to repair. You are well advised to know what you are getting into so that you can budget accordingly to make your home a wise investment. Here is a guide to help you assess your home-to-be.
Check All the Switches
Can you imagine that you moved into your new home in Berkeley, CA on a hot summer’s day, only to realize that the Air Conditioner doesn’t work when you turn it on?
Not only is that going to make you uncomfortable, but it could also add a substantial cost that you weren’t expecting.
That’s why you turn everything on and off when you are looking for a home to make sure that everything works. This includes all lights, A/C, furnace, fans, and appliances (if they are included with the sale).
Insulation is Important
It’s not as exciting as a thoughtful floor plan or nice finishes, but having a well-insulated home should be on your housing wish list.
That’s because a well-insulated home is going to be the difference between paying a lot or a little on your heating and cooling bills.
Insulation essentially acts as a barrier against the heat or the cold outside (depending on the season). The most important places in the home to be insulated are exterior walls, the attic, the basement, garage walls and around the foundation.
The Importance of a Property Inspection
If you are anxious to get the ball rolling to own your prospective home, it can be tempting to skip the property inspection.
Even if you deem it a nuisance or an expense that you don’t need, rest assured: this is one of the best investments that you can make in your potential home.
Having a licensed professional do a property inspection lets you get a full snapshot of what you are getting into.
Most of the problems that are more expensive to fix and threaten a home’s structure or basic comfort are not readily obvious to the untrained eye.
Discovering problems in advance of a purchase can let you make a well-informed decision before you purchase. It can also help you amend your offer if necessary and budget for repairs in the future.
