Looking to Buy a House? Here are 5 Things You Should Consider Before Purchasing
Buying a house is always exciting! Whether you’re a first time buyer or are looking for an upgrade, searching for a home is always filled with many different options.
Before you say yes to the perfect home and submit your offer, our experts at Cobex Construction Group would like to give you some very important things to consider.
The first things we tend to look at when searching for a home is often the location, square footage, bedroom number and bathroom size. These things are pretty important since they’re not very easy to change once the house is purchased. However, when it comes to your budget and the condition of the house, don’t forget to carefully inspect the inside and outside features as well.
In order to have a smart shopping experience, shop within your budget. So first and foremost, determine your budget, get pre-approved for a loan and then start looking for homes. Don’t forget to account for any renovations, remodels or upgrades the house might need. Plan for these expenses up front in order to avoid a cash shortage in the future.
When you find a few great options within your budget and are getting ready to view the homes, take your time to inspect everything and determine the true quality of the house. Our in house experts here at Cobex have outlined 5 major issues that most people tend to miss. It’s easy to get excited about a house just because it looks good on the surface, however make yourself an expert by looking beyond that.
5 Things You Should Consider Before Purchasing
1. Look for a well-insulated home
First, look for a well-insulated home. Look at all windows, doors, heating ducts and check the attic too if you can. Purchasing a home that has great insulation is a smart long term investment. A well insulated home will keep unwanted hot or cold air out of your house. This guarantees a more comfortable environment for you to live in, not to mention the extra money you’ll save on your energy bills.
2. Recognize a roof in need of repair.
Next, recognize a roof in need of repair. Before walking into the house, take a moment to examine the roof. Is the roof in good condition? Does it need any repairs? How long will it last before it needs to be replaced? The quality of the roof is very important and knowing the longevity of its life can better prepare you for any financial investments in the future.
If you’re not sure what to look for when examining the roof, or don’t know how to recognize a roof in need of repair, our team of professionals would be more than happy to come out and make the evaluation for you. As an energy efficient company, we’re able to pinpoint the quality of the roof and let you know how long it’ll last you before it needs to be repaired or replaced.
3. Examine all the other exterior features too
After you’ve looked at the roof, examine all the other exterior features too. What does the siding look like? What is the quality of the exterior paint? Do you see any signs of dry rot? These are all very serious things to consider. An older home that is starting to show the first signs of dry rot could indicate a bigger and very expensive problem in the future.
If you need more clarification on the exterior features, don’t be afraid to ask the selling agent detailed and specific questions. After all, you’re the one willing to make a lifetime investment and should know all of this beforehand.
4. Ask about the quality of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.
When you get a chance, ask about the quality of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. This is another very important feature that is hidden from the surface. An inefficient HVAC system can eat away at your utility bills. They’re also very expensive to fix or replace. By knowing the quality and condition of the HVAC system, you’ll be better prepared to make a financial decision about the house.
5. Take a look at the plumbing
Lastly, take a look at the plumbing. What lies beneath the surface of the home? Look under the sink and examine the pipes. Check for any leaks, possible water damage or mold. A house with good plumbing will save you a huge headache and expensive repair costs in the future. If the plumbing needs to be replaced, make sure there’s room in your budget for that.
At the end of it all, don’t forget to enjoy the process! Buying a home can get a little overwhelming, but if you’re prepared with the right tools and know exactly what to look for, you’ll be much more confident in making the right purchase.
