Whether you are a first-time home buyer or you are looking to upgrade, buying a home can be intimidating but also extremely exciting.
Once you determine the area you want to live in, the type of house you want, and how much you can afford, there are many other aspects to consider before selecting that dream starter home.
Regardless if you are looking for a new home or a fixer-upper, many home experts recommend focusing on the following features:
Roof
Replacing a roof is very expensive, so you should check how old the home’s roof is and how it has been maintained. You should also check to see if it has had any leaking problems.
Foundation
The foundation of a home needs to be checked for cracks and bulges, as they can indicate a structural issue. Other things to check are whether large trees nearby are causing roots to grow into the foundation or if floors or ceilings are sagging.
Siding
If the home’s siding is rotted or in poor condition, this is a sign that it probably needs to be replaced. Cracked or warped siding could also be another sign of a foundation issue.
Windows and doors
The windows and doors of a home should not only be properly installed, but they also need to be in good condition to help insulate and be weatherproof. Windows that don’t properly align or that stick could also indicate issues with the foundation.
Plumbing and sewer systems
To avoid expensive repairs down the road, things like sinks, toilets, tubs, and showers should be checked for leaks, discoloration, and water pressure. You should also ask how old the water heater is and make sure it’s not rusty or making any strange noises. Keep in mind that water heaters usually last 10–15 years. A sewer line inspection is also a good idea to ensure that there is no pipe disintegration or obstructive tree root growth.
Water damage
Visible leaks on ceilings and walls can be signs of water damage caused by plumbing issues, a flooded air-conditioning unit, burst pipes, or an ice dam that caused a water leak inside the home. If not addressed, this type of damage could lead to structural issues and mold.
Mold problems
If you notice visible discolorations on ceilings and walls as well as a mildew smell, this can be an indication of mold. Mold can form from water damage, but also get into a home through open doors, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Not having mold removed and remediated can lead to illness and expensive repairs.
Electrical systems
Before purchasing a home, ask if there have been any electrical problems in the past. You should also ask to see the electrical panel to see its condition and to check whether the system is adequately sized for the house. Other things to look out for are flickering lights, buzzing sounds, and exposed wires. In older homes, you should also have a home tested to see if there is any ‘knob and tube’ wiring which lacks a ground wire. This type of old wiring can be dangerous if damaged and it is incompatible with modern three-prong appliances and devices. This type of wiring puts electronics at increased risk of damage and is a greater risk for shock and fire.
Heating and cooling systems
When looking at a home’s heating and cooling systems, you should check for rust, cracks, water stains, and other visible damage, as they might require costly repairs or replacement down the road. Among the things that should be inspected are the furnace, oil tank, central air conditioners, ducts, and insulation.
Once you find the home you want, it’s recommended you find a licensed home inspector to check out its overall condition before your purchase. You can find a home inspector by getting a referral from your real estate agent or on the American Society of Home Inspectors website.
Why should homebuyers get a home inspection?
A house is one of, if not the biggest and most expensive, purchases you will make in your life. Once you make the purchase, you will need to maintain it and make repairs when they arise. But before making the purchase, it’s a good idea to get a thorough home inspection, which can reveal any potential repairs needed, identify building oversights, and point out any maintenance that may be required upon move-in.
What does a home inspection include?
According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), a home inspection examines a house’s physical structure and systems, from the roof to the foundation. Among the things inspectors look at are the home’s heating system, central air conditioning system, interior plumbing system, electrical system, basement, roof, attic, visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors.
An inspection usually takes 2 to 4 hours to complete, depending on the size and condition of the home. Once the inspection is done, the inspector will send the potential buyer a report that provides their findings and recommendations. This report is usually ready within 24 to 48 hours after the inspection.
What happens if the house fails a home inspection?
A home inspector will not pass or fail a house, nor will they tell the buyer if they should make the purchase. A home inspector’s job is to describe a home’s physical condition and let the potential buyer know what needs repair or replacement, according to ASHI. The goal of the inspection is for the buyer to make an informed decision on whether the home is in good condition or what potential maintenance issues may be in store for them should they make the purchase. For instance, if the home inspector identifies that an older home has ‘knob and tube’ wiring a potential buyer should plan for electrical upgrades that will be needed to the home.
Once you are moved into your dream home, ensure you are keeping up with routine maintenance to avoid costly repairs and insurance claims down the road. One way to do this is by downloading the vipHome.app, free of charge to MAPFRE customers. The easy-to-use, intuitive app, helps you improve your home value with personalized reminders and recommendations, property-specific weather alerts, and expert-curated home tips to help you avoid costly repairs and insurance claims.
MAPFRE Insurance is the number one home insurance provider in Massachusetts, and we partner with local independent insurance agents to help you find the right policy wherever you are! If you’re not yet insured with us, you can always get a fast, free quote online today to see how much you could save!
