A home is one of the most fulfilling—and potentially expensive—purchases anyone can make. Whether you’re looking at a brand new place or a fixer-upper, a plan of what to look for can make sure you don’t have buyer’s remorse.
Foundational Stability
Although all foundations endure some level of settling, the amount of settling caused by a poor foundation is especially damaging to walls and flooring. Damaged walls and floors can lead to water damage or insect infestations, as well as to inefficient heating and cooling and to the collapse of the structure over time.
Insulation
Proper insulation affects the heating and cooling efficiency of the home, which can translate into hundreds or even thousands of dollars in heating and cooling bills. Check to see that the roof in particular has enough insulation because the roof is the main part of the house that will keep heat from escaping and keep the house cool in the summer, says Insulco, an Australian-based ceiling and roof insulation company. Also check the windows of the house—this is one of the most common areas for heat to escape.
Water Damage
Houses that have issues with insulation or foundational stability often have problems with water, according to My Waterproofing, an online waterproofing resource. This can lead to mold growth, which is dangerous to your health, says the Environmental Protection Agency. And this can cost thousands of dollars to remove.
Termites
Ask if any homes in the area have termites. Termites can travel from one home to the next. So your future home might be at risk if a nearby home has them, says Terminext, a pest and termite control company.
Adaptability
Most people have an idea of what they want from their house in terms of aesthetics and function. But it’s a rare buyer who finds a house that is so in tune with his desires that no changes need to be made to the property. Look at the house to see if it is adaptable to your needs. For instance, can you add on to the home or change the color of a room? What about flooring or the ability to remove or add a wall? Could any landscaping changes be made such removing a tree that is obstructing the house?
Economy/Efficiency
You can save yourself some money by checking to see if the house has the most efficient materials used for construction. If it doesn’t, see how much it would cost to have the materials installed. For instance, a photovoltaic roof (a roof that is coated to convert sunlight into electricity) can save you money because the electricity it converts can be used directly by those who live in your house. This may tack on a few thousand dollars to the initial cost of the house. But over the years, the changes will pay for themselves and you won’t need to replace items or repair as often.
Space
When you buy a home, you want to be comfortable. A primary factor in comfort is space. Ask yourself if all of your belongings will fit in the new home the way that you want them to fit. If not, what will you do with those items? Is there room enough for a new baby or a guest bedroom? Will you need two bathrooms? Is there enough room for entertainment? Will you feel cramped as you cook with your spouse in the kitchen?
Safety
More than anything, your new home has to be safe, especially if you have children. Look for placement and condition of electrical outlets and ask about the age and condition of the internal wiring. Ask yourself if any stairs or railings are loose or otherwise problematic, and check to see what is in place in terms of smoke detectors. Make sure that all gates, doors, and windows are able to be locked for security. Make sure that the home does not contain hazardous materials like asbestos (new homes should not have this issue, but older ones still might). On the outside of the property, check to see that there are no problems with porches, overhangs, or cracked sidewalks on which one could trip.
Terminex-Triad. (2009). Frequently Asked Questions. Available from http://www.terminix-triad.com/faqs.html
