Five Things to Check When You Buy a New Home

Buying a new home can be both rewarding and risky. In your first few months of living in the new place, you may feel overwhelmed with your home’s flood safety. Your real estate agent may or may not have discussed the area’s flood history in your consultation, but there’s no harm in doing your own research. If you live in a coastal region that’s susceptible to hurricanes or tropical storms, your flood safety is vital. Your home should have ample drainage systems, a waterproof basement, and community levies to keep you safe. Additionally, you may  need flood insurance if you’re in a floodplain with the danger of high water. Keeping your home covered will give you peace of mind in even the harshest storms.

Gutters and Shingles

The second thing to take a look at is your gutters and shingles. When you’re inspecting a house before purchase, the last thing you think about is getting on a ladder to check out the roof. Your new home could have roofing issues that you never realized. In the first few weeks you live in your house, grab a ladder and check out your gutters and shingles. If your gutters need cleaning, take care of that before the next storm. Similarly, if you see issues with the shingles and sealant on your roof, call a roofing company to fix things. Simply checking out these issues can keep you and your family safe.

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Foundation Safety

The third thing you may want to check out after you purchase your home is foundation safety. The foundation is one of the most vital parts of your home. If there is cracking or shifting in your home’s base, you could be in danger of losing the whole house. Rather than putting your family in trouble down the line, take a few hours to look over your foundation when you move in. If you notice any cracking or severely damaged blocks, you may want to contact a contractor. Foundational issues can sometimes be repaired if caught early enough, so take a look as soon as possible.

Heating and Cooling

Next, you should check out your heating and cooling systems. Your real estate agent undoubtedly told you whether your new home has central heat and air in your initial consultation. While the building may come with temperature systems installed, they may not be in perfect working order. Rather than waiting until inclement weather hits and your family relies on temperature control, check out your furnace and AC unit once you move in. If any repairs are necessary, you’ll then have the time to get them done before you need to adjust the thermostat.

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Water and Plumbing

Finally, you should check out your home’s water and plumbing systems. Clean water is crucial for you and your family. In the first few weeks in your new home, check to make sure every faucet and drain works. If your water is running dirty, you may have rusty or broken pipes somewhere on the property. Similarly, go through and check the plumbing in your kitchen and bathroom. Make sure your toilet and shower work properly, your kitchen sink drains, and the water doesn’t leak somewhere in the home. While this type of busy work can be tiresome, it’ll make living in your new home comfortable and secure. By checking out your water and plumbing systems, you can ensure you have clean drinking water for yourself and your family.

In conclusion, getting a new home will always be a risk. While you can’t eliminate every surprise from the buying process, checking these five things out will keep you and your family relaxed in the new space.