5 things to keep in mind when you visit a home

Have you found your ideal home among the classifieds? Good news! Don't get carried away with your enthusiasm and stay alert during the tour. Take a thorough look at the entire home. We list 5 things that you should certainly not overlook.

During a tour of a nice home, your attention will mainly focus on the interior and the beautiful finish. Try to look further so you don't miss any problems. Do you see something that is not right? Then put this on the table during negotiations and take the renovation costs into account when you make an offer.

1. The roof and exterior walls for the tour

Try to get there a little earlier. This gives you the opportunity to walk around the property and get a first look at the general condition of the house. Have you noticed a crack in one of the facades? Be sure to pay attention to this. This could be a possible problem with regard to the strength of the building.

Be sure to check out the roof during your visit. Be sure to pay attention to the ridge: it must be nice and straight and must not sag. Is the ridge sagging or do you see other problems? Keep in mind that a roof renovation or a new roof costs quite a lot of money - and will therefore take a bite out of your available budget.

2. The floors, walls and ceilings

A. The floors: are the floors flat and regular in each room? What floor coverings have been used and are they well adapted to the room where they are located? Please note, for example, that carpet and parquet are not suitable for damp areas (bathroom or kitchen). If you would like to change the floor, do not forget to include these costs in your renovation budget.

B. Walls and ceilings: check that the walls and ceilings are in good condition and that they are free of imperfections or moisture problems (often visible on walls and ceilings). Have you noticed mold or discoloration of the wallpaper? Then be alert.

Also take the opportunity to examine the windows thoroughly. Is it single, double or triple glazing? It is good to have this in mind, for example, if you have a room overlooking a noisy street.

If in doubt, do not hesitate to ask a specialist for advice.

Take a critical look at the floors, walls and ceilings of the home you are visiting. If there are problems with the structure of the building, you often see them in these places. Cracks, irregularities. so it is best to have it examined by a specialist. You also usually notice moisture problems on walls, floors and ceilings. Do you see mold spots or discoloration of the wallpaper? Then be alert.

3. The technical installations

Ask the seller or real estate agent if you can view the electrical, plumbing and heating installations during the tour. Also ask for the EPC certificate (energy performance of the building).

The condition of the electrical system: check that the equipment is not too old and that the electrical panel is working properly. Also try to find out when they were posted. Installations that are more than 10 to 15 years old are gradually requiring replacement.

The water connection: ask for the connection hole. This must be clean (no waste, no standing water or sediment). Finally, don't forget to ask if the house is connected to the sewer system.

Heating: Ask about the age of the boiler, the date of installation of the radiators and their maintenance. This gives you a better idea of ​​the costs for maintenance or replacement. Naturally, a new boiler ensures a higher efficiency, so you recoup the costs very quickly.

4. Natural light

There are plenty of nice lighting options available today, but don't underestimate the importance of natural light. Natural light provides light and heat, and therefore means a significant saving on your energy bill. In addition, natural light also ensures that fewer molds can form in the home. Does the building contain an office? Then check whether there is sufficient natural light. Nobody likes working in a dark room, right?

5. The original plans

Ask the seller or real estate agent if you can view the original plans of the home. Have additions been built over the years? Please inquire carefully with the urban planning department. If you buy a home, part of which is not permitted, you as the owner are responsible for adjusting the construction violation.

For more recent buildings you can ask to builder the post-intervention file. This contains certain important information such as the location of the electrical wiring and pipes. It also includes the history of the construction/renovation and the contact details of the people involved in this work (architect, custom home builder, contractor, etc.).

Ready to visit homes?

Have you read all our tips and are you ready to visit properties? Please contact the Custom Home Builders Austin responsible for the sale of your ideal house or apartment via our website.

Article source: https://article-realm.com/article/Home-Family/Home-Improvement/51767-5-things-to-keep-in-mind-when-you-visit-a-home.html