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10 things to evaluate when buying a house

Buying a home is a lifetime investment and you need to be very careful to avoid losing money, buying the wrong house, or buying in the wrong neighborhood. Buying a house is a process that involves a series of steps with the aim of making the wrong decisions. Sometimes, when buying a house, you need the help of professionals; for example, for inspection to make sure the house is in the right condition. If you’re considering buying a home, here are 10 things to consider:

1. Ceiling

The roof of a house plays a key role in ensuring that your valuable items and your family members are safe from different weather conditions. It is important to understand that roofs have a lifespan, depending on the materials used and the type of roof. So before you buy a home, make sure the roof is in good condition and hasn’t exceeded its useful life to prevent leaks. You can have a roofing contractor perform an inspection to avoid incurring additional roof repairs or replacements after you buy the home.

two. the plumbing system

The plumbing system of the house must work properly to avoid additional costs. Make sure you like the way the toilet flushes, check the drains, water pressure, and faucets in the bathrooms and kitchen. Also, you need to know how long it takes to get hot water to the shower, if there is a water softener, and how old the water heater is. Most water heaters have a useful life of between 10 and 15 years depending on the model, how it was maintained and how often it was used, as well as other factors. So checking the age of your water heater will help you know when to replace it; thus helping you determine if the house is worth buying.

3. The size and floor plan.

When you buy a house, you are obviously thinking about settling down with your family and your future. The size of the house and the floor plan are some of the factors you need to consider in order to make the right decision. Depending on the type of family you want to have, the size of the house will be a determining factor, as a large house can offer enough space for your family and friends when they visit you, as well as a home office. However, you will have to pay more for a larger house, both in mortgage and utility bills.

Four. To lease

Your neighborhood plays a key role when buying a home because it not only affects the value of the home but also the availability of resources and safety. You should collect as much information about the neighborhood as possible to make sure it is safe and has all the facilities (social services) you need. Consider the proximity of your home to your workplace and ease of access because you will need it every day. However, you should know that location can determine the value of your home.

5. Electric systems

Just like your plumbing system, your electrical system must be working properly to prevent potential injuries and accidents. A good electrical system also has little or no cost to maintain and repair after you’ve bought the house. So when evaluating the electrical system, make sure you know how much the electrical system can handle, whether the electrical outlets are upgraded to take grounded plugs, or the type of electrical system used to wire your home. If you can’t do the evaluation yourself, hiring an electrician is a better option.

6. kitchen appliances

You will need to use your kitchen every day after you buy the house. Therefore, check the condition of the microwave, refrigerator, stove, dishwasher and other kitchen appliances. If the home has a gas stove, you need to know if it has a pilot light or ignition starter, and most importantly, whether these kitchen appliances will be sold with the home. You can decide whether you want them or buy your own kitchen appliances based on your preferences and budget estimates.

7. Indoor environmental hazards

It is important to look for environmental hazards inside a home to avoid exposing yourself and your family to health hazards caused by toxic substances. For example, in an older home, you should look for any asbestos lining in the furnace, pipes, heating systems, and water heaters. Make sure the base is tested for the presence of poisonous gases, for example, radon, which is carcinogenic and can cause lung cancer. You should also be on the lookout for carbon monoxide and vermin to ensure your home is safe. Finally, an inspector must determine if the house has lead-based paints because they are poisonous. In fact, homes offered for sale must be free of lead-based paint by federal law.

8. structural problems

Although you can’t buy an older house in perfect condition, it should have few or no structural problems. If you knowingly or unknowingly buy a home that has numerous structural problems, you will end up spending a lot of money trying to fix them. Know the condition of interior walls, roof, gutters and downspouts, flashing, doors and windows. Remember to also inspect the flooring, as well as the fence and other structures in your home.

9. The bedrooms and bathrooms

First of all, you need to decide how many bedrooms and bathrooms your house should have, and then start looking for that house. This will be determined by your preferences, family size and budget. Next, you will assess the condition of the bathroom and bedrooms, their size and closets, as well as the flooring. Your bathroom should be tiled for easy cleaning, as well as a shower head or bathtub or even both. If you are thinking of adding additional space in the future, have an architect advise you if possible after considering lot use, space planning, and city regulations.

10 look outside the house

Finally, evaluate the exterior of your house because it also plays a role when buying your house. Do you have enough landscaping and a fence, where are the lot (or property) boundaries, and the condition of the garage? Do not forget to check the condition of the fences, the patio and the terrace.

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