Things to Look Out for When Buying a New Home

When people are looking for a new home, they are typically looking for a place that has a certain number of bedrooms and bathrooms, is within a certain price range, and located in a specific area. However, there are a number of other factors that prospective homeowners should look out for when viewing homes. If certain products in the home are more than 20 to 30 years old, they may need to be replaced in the future. Home repairs and renovations can cost anywhere from $1,000 to replace an old water heater and its connections, while replacing all of the old windows in your home can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Here are some things that you should be sure to look out for when you are searching for a new home.

Windows

It is fairly easy to tell if the windows in a home have been replaced recently. Old windows often look weathered around the frames and on the glass. You may also be able to feel hot and cold drafts of air if you stand by the windows. You can also try asking the Realtor or homeowner how long it has been since the windows have been replaced in the property.

Roof

If the roofing shingles or the frame around them is rotted, molding, or otherwise damaged, you may have to replace the entire roof of the home if you decide to purchase it. A damaged roof can lead to water leaks inside of the home and can result in additional repairs. On average, the cost of having a new roof installed will run in the $5,000 to $30,000 range, depending on the materials used and the size of the house.

Plumbing

Although it is difficult to see what is going on with a home’s plumbing when walking through it, you will get a report on the plumbing when the inspection is completed. If the inspection report shows that the plumbing in the house is outdated and in need of significant repair, you can expect to pay thousands of dollars to update it.