What to look for when buying a home

We recommend our buyers look at the following items when buying a home.The list consists of the major functions of a home and the highest replacement cost of future repairs. We are not a home inspection company, nor have we lived in the home, so we do not know the condition of the home. We recommend that our buyers ask their home inspectors the average life span of mechanicals.

Always have a home inspection performed. The average cost of a home inspection is about $300 to $350. We realize that most people are trying to limit their initial investment up front. But this inspection could save you thousands in the future. Our purchase contract has a contingency clause stating that the purchase of the home is contingent upon the home inspection being acceptable by you. And yes, if the home is a newer home, a home inspection is still recommended.
Heating: Look for the age of the furnace and central air.
Plumbing: Is the plumbing copper, plastic or galvanized? Is there good water pressure?
Electrical: Is the electrical panel circuits breakers or fuses? How many amps are coming into the home? Is the electric box panel full or is there space to add new circuits?
Roof: How old is the roof? Is there one layer of shingles or two layers? If there are two layers, when replacing you will have to have both layers removed, before putting a new roof on.
Structure: Are the basement walls beamed, bowing or showing large cracks? Is the basement dry or is there evidence of water damage?
Windows: Old windows make a home more expensive to heat and cool.
There are several other important items in a home, but these are some of the most costly. For more information, give us a call.