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Buying a new home is exciting, but it can also be very stressful too. There are lots of things to remember when looking around homes and when you’re getting ready to make an offer. It can be easy to forget to check some of the simplest things and once you have committed to buy, there isn’t much you can do about it. Here is a list of essentials that you will want to check out while you’re looking around your new prospective home and neighborhood.
The Structure and the Roof
Knowing that the home you are about to buy or move into is structurally sound is a pretty important step. The real estate agent should be able to tell you about any issues with the house and where some work needs doing, but don’t rely on it.
To be totally sure that everything checks out, you can hire an independent company or contractor to come out and give you an honest evaluation. You may need to hire different companies for different areas of the house. A surveyor or building firm will be able to tell you about subsistence and give you a quote. You will need to find “roofing companies near me” to help check the roof is in a good state and doesn’t have any holes or damage.
Damp and Mold
It’s not uncommon for some houses, especially older houses to have some damp and mold. The key places to check are around the windows and the doors. A window that hasn’t been fitted properly or that has come loose will be prone to a buildup of mold.
Low levels of damp and mold are easy to treat yourself. You can buy a range of different treatments to help with this problem. However, if the problem looks really bad, it could be a sign of something more significant. If an entire wall is covered in mold or damp then there may be a hole in the roof that’s letting water in. If this is the case you should factor in the cost of repairs are try to negotiate on the price. There are roofing services that can provide you with a free roof inspection to let you know the type of roof repairing you might need.
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Heating and Air Conditioning
Another question you should be asking yourself as you walk around on your first or second viewing is ‘what is the heating system?’ It should be fairly simple to identify what kind of heating a house has. You may also want to consider how old the heating system is and if any of the elements like radiators or boilers need replacing any time soon which can mean additional cost.
As well as heating you might want to check out the air conditioning unit. Older units can use a lot of energy and tend to be very inefficient. They will, therefore, add more onto your energy bills.
Boundaries and Garden Space
If your new home comes with a garden and has neighboring properties, then confirming where your land ends and their begins is very important. In some cases, neighbors will require access across your garden to get into their house or garden. This could be a deal-breaker for some people.
It can also be useful to know this as it will determine what your responsibilities are. Things like overhanging trees can lead to arguments between neighbors, so being clear about what you own and what you don’t will ensure you have a happy experience once you move in.
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Where the Local Stores Are
It’s easy to just focus all of your attention on the house when you’re on a visit, so take some time to explore the local area too. If you are moving into a new town or city then you will want to know where the local bars are, what the schools are like and how far away the grocery store is.
Another thing to think about will be if there are any local clubs you can join. If you are currently a member of gardening, running or cycling club or something similar, it would be nice to know if you can continue with this once you have moved.
Doing Checks Pays Off
Doing simple house buying checks and asking the right questions before you commit to anything will most certainly pay off when you are looking for a new home. Don’t rely on the real estate agent to tell you everything so make a list of questions you would like the answers too.
You should try and view the house a few times before you make an offer. This will give you a chance to check some of the important details and get a proper feel for the house on different days and in the morning and evening. Lighting and the sound of traffic can be hugely different at different times of day. Making these important checks around your prospective house will ensure that there are no nasty surprises when you move in.
