Moving into a new home is exciting, and you have so many things to think about. How will you arrange the furniture? Will you paint the walls a new shade? There are so many ways that you can personalize your home to fit your style. One thing that you do not want to have to deal with is unexpected repairs during your moving process. If you have a home inspection done before you buy, you can avoid these surprise repairs that can quickly turn your dream home into a money pit.
Roofing
One primary source of financial stress is roofing issues. Make sure your roof is thoroughly inspected and that any problems are fully disclosed before you buy. Roof repairs can be done as one of the conditions of purchasing the home. Make sure that a reputable company like D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc. completes the job, and that is inspected again before you move in. You do not want to buy a beautiful home only to find out that your roof is leaking or unsafe during the first big rainstorm.
Plumbing
Another issue that must be addressed before moving is plumbing problems. It is essential to view a copy of what the utility bills usually run each month. An unusually high water bill could signal a significant leak in a water main, sprinkler line, or elsewhere that you could end up being responsible for. If you are buying an older home, this is of particular concern. If the plumbing is original, expect to have problems down the line. Having an inspection done can at least prepare you for what is to come.
Electrical
Electrical is another common concern for older homes. Fraying wires can cause a fire hazard, and your inspector should check for any work that may have been done that is not to code. A qualified electrician should repair and ensure the job is done correctly; this could be another issue that would be best to have done before move-in? Negotiating with the seller is a great way to avoid having the burden placed entirely on you as the buyer.
A new home can be a dream come true if you know what you are indeed buying. Even if minor issues come up, as they often do, you can avoid financial devastation by sorting out the significant problems before you move in. Having a home inspection done is a good investment in the long run, and many realtors encourage it to determine a home’s actual value.
