10 Things to Check Before Buying a New Home
Buying a home creates stress, which can obscure the purpose for buying in the first place. Before starting, it is ideal to check the following to ensure this home is the one you will enjoy for years to come. 1. Water Pressure It is hard to create a spa experience with poor water pressure. Check the showers and faucets. Not being able to rinse your hair properly can only dampen your enthusiasm. 2. Odours Odours can linger long after vacancy. Cat urine and cigarette smoke are notorious for leaving the next owners with costly repairs. 3. Water Drainage Understand how water will drain in your yard. No one wants to finish a basement only to realize the next spring that the walls were not sealed properly. 4. Room Sizes With today's variation in furniture size, you need accurate room measurements. It is vital to check each room's layout to ensure your furnishings suit the space. A common oversight is not checking to make sure your beds will fit. 5. Window Coverings A house with many windows can be inviting. It can be expensive to cover them properly. The Realtor should be aware what existing blinds or curtains are included. Unless you are in a remote area, privacy is sure to be a factor. 6. Electrical Outlets You may envision the perfect layout for a room. Upon moving in, you realize the outlets will not allow for that arrangement. Stringing extension cords is not always appealing. If there is an office space, make sure the outlets support your electronic needs. 7. Lighting Proper lighting sets the right atmosphere. When touring a home, consider the existing fixtures. Is the location of the lighting workable? Will you need to update the fixtures? 8. Flooring Referring back to the odours, cat urine has ruined many carpets, padding and subfloors. Perhaps you prefer a different type of flooring. Check to see what is under carpet or how well a floor has held up in water areas. Again, use accurate room measurements to estimate replacement costs. 9. Outdoor spaces Does the home have the outdoor space you need? Is the level of privacy and traffic noise acceptable? Does the landscaping require vigilant maintenance? While you may have differing priorities, ensure the space is acceptable. 10. Parking Make sure you consider how additional vehicles can be parked, especially if you will have teen drivers in the future. If you do not have children, consider your guest parking needs. Many of these ten issues are not deal breakers. It is easy to dismiss them when you fall in love with a property. You can avoid disappointment by making sure your budget lines up with your dreams.
About the Author
An Interior Design Consultant/Stylist for Super A-Mart-Australia's leading Furniture Retailer, Sam writes about interior design and loves to help people transform their homes, rooms and spaces into their ideal living spaces. You can read more of Sam's writing at the Super A-Mart Blog. You may also visit his website here at http://www.superamart.com.au/ .
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