Things To Look For When Buying A House Checklist

The process of buying a new home has so many factors to think about. You need to find the right property to purchase, get approved for a mortgage, sell your current home, and plan a move. You likely already know you can use companies like American Van Lines to help make the move itself easier, but you also need to know what to look out for when finding a property. Here are some warning signs and aspects of the home to pay extra attention to.

Dampness

One of the big potential issues that could put a home’s structural integrity at risk is dampness. Dampness can lead to a range of issues, many of which are severe. Simply put, if a house has a dampness issue, you don’t want to buy it, at least not without figuring out how much it would cost to fix and negotiating the home price accordingly.

The most common warning signs of a damp house are walls and ceilings with watermarks, flaky plaster, or a moldy smell. A freshly repainted room may also be a warning sign. However, take that last one with a grain of salt and don’t assume the worst. After all, most people repaint their homes before listing them.

Other Bad Smells

As mentioned, an odor is one of the signs that a property may be damp or potentially have mold. But this is not the only smell you want to look out for. You may also notice smokiness, sewage, or mustiness. Even a very strong scent of air freshener should be cause for concern. While most realtors will gently spray some air freshener, they typically only spray enough to overpower the space if they want to hide a smell.

Cracks

When it comes to structural soundness, your biggest warning sign is the presence of cracks. Some hairline cracks are perfectly fine, but you should worry if you notice larger cracks. This is one of the things that you may not know how to spot yourself, which is why an inspection is so important.

Other Foundation Issues

You should also be on the lookout for other warning signs that the foundation may have problems. This could lead to some very expensive repairs. Some warning signs the foundation needs work on include doors that don’t shut properly, cracks on drywall, gaps by doors and windows, flooding in the basement, and bowing walls. Foundation issues are also the type of problem that could easily ruin all of the items you carefully moved from your old house viewing, especially if you store them in a basement that floods.

Plumbing Problems

Hopefully, your inspection will turn up any potential issues with the plumbing, but you can save yourself the hassle if you spot issues before you even get to that stage. Experts encourage you to test all of the faucets and toilets. As you do, look out for warning signs like water pressure and color. You should also check for leaks.

Outlets and Electricity

Make it a point to check how many outlets the new property has and how they are spread out. Are there enough for all of the electronics you plan to move with you? Are there enough outlets in the kitchen for any extra gadgets or appliances you have?

Don’t forget to check the electricity from a functionalist perspective as well. Look at the fuse board and make sure to have the inspector you hire to check the electricity. Faulty wiring can pose a significant danger.

Roofing

The roof is another part of the property that can be very expensive to repair or replace when the need arises. In addition to warning signs like loose shingles, ask how old the roof is to get an idea if you’ll have to replace roofing soon. For reference, most roofs last about 15 to 20 years.

Noise

Take a few minutes to see how much outside noise enters the house. This is especially important if the viewing a house is on the main road or close to shops and restaurants. Ask the seller to turn off any background noise, then see what you can hear. If you plan on spending time outside in the yard, check the noise levels from there as well.

HVAC System

Pay attention to the HVAC system as well, as this is another aspect of the house that can be expensive to replace. Most HVAC systems will last between 20 and 30 years. To get a feel for how long before you likely have to replace it, ask how old it is, the brand, and about its maintenance. You may also want to consider if the brand accepts generic replacement parts or only works with expensive name brand ones.

Storage Space

While it doesn’t affect the need for major repairs, you do want to think about the size of the property and the storage space. Essentially, make sure it has enough space for you, your family, and your stuff. As a bonus, having extra storage space makes your move easier as you can unpack unessential items more slowly. Just put them out of the way in the storage area and tackle them when you have time.

The Area

Before you even start packing your stuff, look for warning signs that the area may not be ideal for you to live in. If, for example, you use public transportation, can you easily reach it from the house? Or are there small shops with essentials nearby? Do you have to drive to get everywhere, or could you walk? Are there nearby schools that can lead to noise and traffic jams? None of these things is necessarily a dealbreaker. Everyone has slightly different preferences in a property, so what works for you may not be ideal for someone else.

Final Takeaways

With all of the above warning signs in mind, you should know what to look out for when viewing property to purchase. Once you find the perfect property, put in an offer and start planning your move.