If you are in the market to buy a house, you should know what to look for. Some houses might seem like a steal until you see some questionable foundation or a lack of insulation.
Whether you are a first-time home buyer or it’s simply been a few years since you’ve been in the market, navigating the confusing process of finding the perfect home can seem daunting. While you may have some features in mind like big closets or a spacious kitchen, there are several important qualities in a home that can be the difference between a good investment and one you end up pouring money into. You will want to focus on things like the roof, insulation, plumbing, windows and the foundation.
Even if you don’t know the first thing about what a good roof looks like, you should be able to see from the ground whether or not there are any major concerns. Look for any sagging or obviously damaged areas. Don’t hesitate to ask when the last time the roof was replaced. If it’s going to need replaced soon, this might be an excellent way to negotiate a deal into the owner’s asking price. If they won’t budge, you will need to work the cost into your budget or move on.
Insulation is extremely important if you care about your comfort as well as your bottom line when it comes to heating and cooling bills. If you are looking at newer home construction, chances are more modern treatments were used. Don’t let a newer house fool you though, builders don’t hesitate to cut corners on things that aren’t visible. If you are looking at an older house, there are some ways to affordably improve the situation if you are finding it lacking.
While insulation is an easy fix, things like foundation are not. You will want to walk around the home to check for any noticeable damage to the foundation. Check for cracks or unevenness. If you see anything that makes you nervous, chances are you should run away.
