Hooray, you’re buying a new home! Whether it is for pleasure or necessity, a new home is an exciting change to your life. However, there are a few things you need to be sure to check before putting down that final signature. It is not a fun surprise to move in and then realize no one told you about the leaking roof or that the furnace needs replaced. Here are those essential things you need to check before moving in.
1. Roof
The roof is a shield between you and Mother Nature that we often take for granted—until it fails that is. You can check your prospective roof from the ground to see if there are any shingles that need residential roofing replacement or if there is any noticeable sagging, but you’ll want to go up onto the roof to take a closer look as well. Check the seals around any vents or skylights to be sure they will not leak. While you are up there, look at the gutters to make sure they are secured well, have no cracks, and are free of debris.
2. Foundation
Walk around the house and look at the foundation. Are there any cracks you can see? Any flaking or crumbling? A small amount may be just a sign of settling, but if the flaking is a large spot, or in multiple places, it could be a serious issue. When you are done looking from the outside, go into the basement or crawlspace as well to see how the foundation is faring, and check any wood supports for termites or rotting.
3. Electrical
The electrical system is something you will definitely want a Prescott Valley electrician to check. Make sure the service panel is clean and easily accessible, that breakers trip as they are supposed to, and that proper GFCI outlets are installed and work properly. Then check all outlets and light switches to make sure there is power going to each, and that they work correctly. An electrical repair – Mitchell Electric service can help you on this job. Because GFCI outlets are so important for safety, getting a gfci outlet upgrade in Sherborn, MA is highly recommended.
4. Plumbing
Plumbing is an important aspect to your home. It is something you don’t really think about until it stops working, and can be costly to repair. Run water through all faucets to be sure they function properly and that drains work, and check for leaks in all visible pipes. You may want a drain inspection for the pipes running away from your home to be sure there is no cracking, or roots putting pressure on them—which will lead to bigger problems in the future.
5. HVAC
Last but not least, check your HVAC system to see if you need help from an air conditioning service for a quick repair. Check to see if filters are in good condition or need to be replaced, that vents are clear of debris and working correctly, and that the attic has plenty of insulation. You will also want a duct inspection done, to be sure all the seals are still good and there are no cracks along the ducts. If you do determine that you need air conditioning repair before you can use it, you can start to look for a service to take care of it and book an appointment ahead to time if you already know when you will be moving in and when would be a good date for you.
With these inspections done as you make the home yours, you can have peace of mind that there will not be any nasty surprises once you move in!
Featured images:
License: Creative Commons image source
Author Byline
Barbara Johnson works in real estate and enjoys finding her clients the perfect homes. In addition, she loves writing about home improvement and gardening tips, and sharing it with others through blogging. Most recently, she has been writing for Great Canadian.
