Are you on the hunt for your dream home? If so, then it’s important that you don’t miss a thing when it comes to the functionality and overall structural soundness of the property. All too often, people rush into the buying process, failing to see the many imperfections hidden in the roof, chimney, and more. We urge you to keep the following questions in mind before committing to any new property.
Is The Roof Reliable?
If you don’t have a good roof over your head, there are a lot of problems you’ll wind up dealing with down the line, such as leaks, missing shingles, and more. When searching for your dream home, make certain the roof is in tip-top shape.
What are some good things to look out for? Well, keep an open eye for damp patches, moss on the shingles, broken down gutters, pieces of shingles throughout the area, and any type of water damage on the home’s exterior that could indicate a leak is present. Other signs of leaks are rotting wood, cracked masonry, and peeling paint.
Are There Signs Of Damage In The Attic?
Another important area to check out is the attic. A well-insulated attic makes a huge difference when it comes to keeping your heating and cooling bills in check, and it protects your home and roof from damages related to heat exposure and excess moisture. You’ll also be able to maintain a more comfortable temperature in your home without overworking your HVAC system.
We suggest watching for wet insulation, signs of mold, and water stains or rotting on the trusses, rafters, and vents. Also, take note on whether or not the space is well-ventilated, and watch out for rodent droppings, nesting materials, or any other signs of wildlife. A pest infestation is the last thing anyone wants to discover upon moving into a new home!
Do The Floors Seem Sturdy & Straight?
While you’re in the attic, it’s a good idea to carefully test the floorboards to ensure they are supportive and don’t show signs of rot. But don’t stop there! Once you’re back downstairs do an overview of the flooring on every level of the home. Are they uneven or bouncy? Then, it may be time to look elsewhere (or at least negotiate the asking price).
A good rule of thumb is to do the marble test. Simply place a marble on the floor and see if it has a strong roll towards the other side of the house. If so, this could be a sign of settlement issues or even rot or termite damage.
Is The HVAC System Working Efficiently?
A poorly-functioning HVAC system can lead to air leaks which makes the temperatures in your home inconsistent and frustrating to manage. You’ll also notice an increase in your energy bills, and your indoor air quality will likely suffer, too. For those with asthma or respiratory problems, clean air is essential for good health!
How Does The Plumbing Look?
One of the best ways to see whether or not the plumbing is in good shape is to simply turn on the faucet. Look at the color and clarity of the water. If it’s discolored in any way, then bigger issues are likely lying beneath the surface. Also, look to see if there are any leaks in the faucet or in the pipes under the sink.
Other signs of plumbing-related problems are water stains on the walls and floor, sweaty pipes (this indicates they aren’t well insulated), and a foul smell that may hint at the presence of mold.
Will You Get Good Cell Reception?
Now, a strong connection with your home is important, but does the property have a strong connection to your cell phone and laptop? Between homework assignments for your children, completing office work at home, and communicating with friends and family, strong cell service (and a good WiFi connection) is a must! Be sure you get the strong signal you deserve – it’ll be well worth it!
Is The Chimney Well-Maintained?
If there’s one thing we know about above all else, it’s the chimney. The CSIA, NFPA, and multiple reputable organizations urge homeowners to invest in annual inspections to guarantee good chimney and home heating appliance health. If this maintenance is avoided, creosote will accumulate, performance and safety issues can arise, and you could end up with some major structural problems that will cost you time and money down the line.
A level two inspection will be required before the transfer of property is completed, so be sure to get this done as soon as possible. Your technician will use a special internal camera to perform an in-depth inspection, so that you have peace of mind the condition of the chimney and you have a baseline to start from. If there are any issues, you can then plan accordingly.
Ready to cross this off your checklist? Count on us! The team at Clean Sweep of Anne Arundel County is certified, highly-rated on multiple websites, and we have over 40 years of experience ensuring we can handle anything thrown our way – reach out today, so we can help you out soon!
Does It Fit Your Lifestyle? (Or Will It In 20 Years?)
All in all, make sure your home actually fits with your lifestyle and desires, and never settle for something that you won’t be truly happy with. Do you like to host parties? Then, a big living room and a big kitchen are both things you’ll likely need. Is gardening or landscaping important to you? Then, a spacious backyard is a must.
Also – think long term! If you’re in your 40s or 50s and want this home to be the place you’ll live in after retirement and into older age, then consider how easily you’ll be able to move about the space when your joints no longer work as well as they do now.
Finally, hire inspectors you trust. When you fall in love with a house at first sight, it’s easy to miss some big, hidden issues that will cost you a lot down the line. There’s always a lot to consider, but checking all your boxes will be well worth it in the end!