Important Home Repair Questions to Ask Early and Often
When you're shopping for a home, there are so many bases to cover it's hard to keep track of them all. This is especially true if you're a first time buyer, but even seasoned homeowners can feel overwhelmed by all the boxes that need to be checked off during the process. Of course, if you actually decide to buy a home, you will need a consultation with a professional appraiser, but there are lots of questions you can (and should) ask throughout the process. Home renovation and repair can be a costly process, and everyone has different €must haves€ and €nice to haves€ when considering the options.
If you're working with a realtor, don't hesitate to be direct with your questions, and make sure you get them all answered to your satisfaction. Their job is to guide you through from step one to your perfect home. In between, make sure that you are all on the same page with your requirements, and there won't be any nasty surprises at the end of the journey. Here are three major categories you should keep in mind every time you look at a potential new home.
1. Siding. It may seem obvious, but take the time to walk slowly around the property and gauge its condition. One way to do this is to take note of the siding- this can tell you a lot about the amount of care that the current owners have taken to maintain their home. Ask your realtor (or the owners) what kind of siding it is, how old it is, and how it was installed. Ask if there have been any major repairs, and find out who did the work. If the siding looks like it will need major repair soon after the home is purchased, decide what kind of an impact that will have on your budget after signing a mortgage.
2. HVAC Systems. HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, and it's a very important part of a potential home's functionality and overall value. Much of the condition of the HVAC system may depend on the age of the home; if you're charmed by turn of the century farmhouses, for example, understand that they may need more upkeep and investment in this area than newer homes. Find out what kind of heating the home has and what the costs are like, and inquire as to any major updates or malfunctions during the last ten years.
3. Kitchen Repair. Pay particular attention to any previous kitchen repairs or renovations, since these can be costly and will affect the value of your home (as well as your sanity on a daily basis) if they were done incorrectly. As with the exterior of the home, ask what kitchen renovations have been done, when, and by whom. Look closely at any visible pipes, to rule out obvious leaks or bursts, and pay attention to any warping in the floor, ceiling, or cabinets. These could indicate a need for more serious home repair.
If you're working with a realtor, don't hesitate to be direct with your questions, and make sure you get them all answered to your satisfaction. Their job is to guide you through from step one to your perfect home. In between, make sure that you are all on the same page with your requirements, and there won't be any nasty surprises at the end of the journey. Here are three major categories you should keep in mind every time you look at a potential new home.
1. Siding. It may seem obvious, but take the time to walk slowly around the property and gauge its condition. One way to do this is to take note of the siding- this can tell you a lot about the amount of care that the current owners have taken to maintain their home. Ask your realtor (or the owners) what kind of siding it is, how old it is, and how it was installed. Ask if there have been any major repairs, and find out who did the work. If the siding looks like it will need major repair soon after the home is purchased, decide what kind of an impact that will have on your budget after signing a mortgage.
2. HVAC Systems. HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, and it's a very important part of a potential home's functionality and overall value. Much of the condition of the HVAC system may depend on the age of the home; if you're charmed by turn of the century farmhouses, for example, understand that they may need more upkeep and investment in this area than newer homes. Find out what kind of heating the home has and what the costs are like, and inquire as to any major updates or malfunctions during the last ten years.
3. Kitchen Repair. Pay particular attention to any previous kitchen repairs or renovations, since these can be costly and will affect the value of your home (as well as your sanity on a daily basis) if they were done incorrectly. As with the exterior of the home, ask what kitchen renovations have been done, when, and by whom. Look closely at any visible pipes, to rule out obvious leaks or bursts, and pay attention to any warping in the floor, ceiling, or cabinets. These could indicate a need for more serious home repair.
Source...