Things To Look For When Buying a New Home
Buying a new home is a big decision that can often be stressful. You may be worried about unseen damages that could cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars, especially if you’re not buying new construction. Well, we’re here to help relieve some of that stress by shedding light on both the unseen and unforeseen. We’ve compiled some helpful tips every potential home buyer should know when house hunting.
Check for Signs of Water Damage
When viewing a home for the first time, you’ll want to check for any abnormal signs, including any indication of water damage. Water damage can happen anywhere in the home, whether it’s the walls, floors, cabinetry, or exterior. Look for dark patches on surfaces such as walls and floors. This may indicate damage beyond the surface. Also check for warping in otherwise flat surfaces. When water penetrates floors, especially, it can cause them to buckle, bend, and warp.
Tip: Take a close look at the basement and attic. If the weather has been relatively dry but you notice some of the aforementioned problems, the home may have prolonged water damage. This can require more work and money to repair.
Test the Windows
Check many, if not all, the windows in the home by opening and closing them. Check the frame for warping, broken sealant, or cracked window panes. Low-quality windows can be harder to open and close or may have a weak locking mechanism. This can drive up heating and air conditioning costs by allowing too much air to escape the home.
Tip: Faulty windows aren’t a huge headache, but they may require replacement down the road. If you have the budget, you may want to consider investing in high-quality, energy-efficient windows. This can help cut down on your utility costs.
Look for Fresh Paint and Sheetrock
Before being listed on the market, homes commonly undergo repairs to encourage bidding and higher offers. One seemingly easy fix is to give the whole home a fresh coat of paint. However, if you notice patches on the wall or ceiling that look newer compared to the space around it, you should investigate. This could be covered-up damaged or improperly repaired damage.
Tip: Be aware of the location of abnormal paint or sheetrock jobs. These types of repairs can indicate specific damage underneath, including carpenter ant or termite damage.
Bring an Expert Along
Most buyers will want an independent inspection before officially purchasing a home. A home inspector will know exactly what signs of damage to look for and where. For example, they can tell if a crack in the wall is likely structural damage. Having that knowledge before purchasing a home could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in maintenance and repair.
Tip: It’s important to find out the history of the home. Knowing when the house was built can give a buyer or contractor a good idea of what they need to look for or what needs to be updated.
Are you a new homeowner looking for help with maintenance or upgrades? You’ve come to the right place. Here at Advance Inc., we pride ourselves on offering excellent service and reliable resources for our customers and community. Contact us today to speak to a representative, or check out our website and browse the services we provide. We are happy to help.