4 important things to check when buying a new home

Buying a new home is usually a very expensive purchase and investment. This is why it is so important that prospective homeowners know what to look for to ensure the house is in great condition and that they are getting great value for the amount they pay. In this article, we will discuss the most important things you should check before you put down a cash deposit or pay for a house.

The Exterior

In many cases, there is so much hiding just under the surface of a house’s exterior. The best way to ensure issues do not spring on you is to do a full inspection. The main areas to inspect include the roof, the foundation and the siding.

For the roof, you want to make sure there is no damage, while cracks and moisture can be a sign of a foundation that will cause you a lot of headache in the future. For the siding, you want to check for cracks, peeling paint, rotting wood or other signs of decay.

The Electrical Installation

One of the most important things to check is the quality of the electrical installation. Depending on the age of the house, the cables and electrics might have deteriorated over time and that could lead to appliance damage or fires. 

To ensure everything is OK, you should have an Electrical Installation Condition Report carried out by a qualified electrician or engineer. The condition report by electricalsafetycertificate.co.uk will let you know if there are any defaults with the electrical installation. Any defaults can be explained by engineers or electricians from Trade Facilities Services who will also explain what it would take to have a satisfactory status on the report. In addition to doing the inspection and issuing the electrical installation condition report, their engineers also provide fire alarm reports, PAT testing and emergency light reports. Trade Facilities Services’ engineers inspect and issue electrical reports for both commercial and residential properties. 

Water Damage

Water damage can lead to the growth of black mould which can be dangerous when inhaled. Usually, water damage can be seen on the underside of drawers and sinks in the kitchen. Also, if you see any warped wallpapers, sheetrock or paint, that might be a sign of water damage that is being covered up.

The Condition of the Heating System

It is important to ask about the heating and cooling systems used in the house. A pertinent question is how old they are and how regularly they are serviced. This will tell you whether, or how soon, you need to get in touch with a contractor to repair or replace the heating system.

Because there are different types of heating and cooling system, ensure the house you are interested in uses one that you like.

Conclusion

Although many of the things you need to check when buying a house will require a contractor to help you spot some issues that may not be obvious to you, there are still some things you can check yourself. These include obvious signs of damage, rot or decay. Remember that if you do not check these things when buying a house, you will incur repair and replacement costs later.

Read all about Sarah’s update on buying her dream home for some inspiration!

Thanks for reading xxx