8 Important Things to Look for in a New Home

The search for a new house is exciting because it’s filled with possibilities. You can buy a home with the amenities that you’ve been missing and in an area that suits your lifestyle. Just don’t let the excitement overshadow the equally-important practicalities associated with this major purchase.

You’ve probably already considered the neighborhood in which you’d like to live. But have you thoroughly thought about it?  What about the school district? If you have kids, you should check that out. Is your new home close enough to work? If you’re a working couple, you need to think about proximity to two jobs. 

Other things to look at:

• Walking and biking in the area
• Libraries
• Parks
• Churches
• Public transportation

If any or all of these things are important to you, now is the time to look into them. Once you know where you want to live, you can start looking at houses there. Here are eight things on which to focus as you walk through each house:

1. Start at the Roof

 

You don’t want to be replacing the roof after a few years of living in your new home. Roofs are expensive. A sagging roof is a sign of trouble ahead. If it has asphalt shingles, there should be a layer of granules on every shingle. If you see “bald” shingles, that roof is showing its age. Shingles that are curled and buckled means you’re at least looking at repairs—maybe even replacement.

Check the attic for leaks. Water stains on the floor could be indicating a leak around the flashing. And while you’re in the attic, look for signs of daylight coming in through the roof. Enough said! 

2. Check the Temperature

You’ll want to be comfortable in your new house, but if your heating and cooling systems aren't up to the task, you won’t be. Take a look at the furnace. Does it look up to date and in good repair? Old equipment is expensive to fix, and its inefficiency can put a hurting on your utility bills. Getting a whole new system is costly, and the work is messy and disruptive. Make sure your new home has a recently-installed, energy-efficient heating and cooling system.

3. Look at the Interior Layout

The floor plan will have a big effect on your daily life. While you’re walking through the rooms, think about a typical day. Does the house have a natural flow as you move from one room to the next? Do you have to walk through a master bathroom to get to a walk-in closet? Is the master bedroom far enough away from the entertainment area for those times when one of you goes to bed early, and the other stays up late to take in an action movie?  

Is the laundry in a convenient spot, or is it in a dark corner of the basement? Since this is a chore that usually needs to be often done, having a laundry near a main living area can make life easier.

These things may not seem like a big deal now, but keep in mind that during your extended stay here, they may become annoying.

4. Inspect the Lay of the Land

Don’t forget to look outside. Does the property have a driveway? A steep one could prevent your kids from shooting hoops there. A long one might be hard to clear after a snowstorm. And one that’s shared with your neighbor could be a problem-in-waiting.

Look at the way the house is positioned on the lot. Does it allow for enough natural light? Does its position enable you to add a deck or another room in the future?

If there is a fence, make sure it’s located correctly and is in good shape. Remember, sometimes good fences make good neighbors. And speaking of neighbors, see how close their house is positioned to your potential new home.

5. The Sniff Test

A musty smelling house may be warning you of problems. Other smells that are worrisome: natural gas, sewer gas, pet odors, and cigarettes. Some of these might not bother you, but others—like gas and sewage—beg for further investigation.

6. Poke around the Pipes

When you’re in the kitchen, look at the plumbing underneath the sink. Make sure there are no leaks, mold, or water damage. Repeat the process in the bathrooms. Mold is not only unattractive. It’s known to cause serious health issues with babies, the elderly, and anyone who already has asthma. You don’t want to move into a moldy house. 

7. Check the Insulation

Your heating system can’t do its best work if the house allows the heat it generates to leak away. Look at the insulation in the attic. It should be thick enough that it’s equal in height to the joists. Water pipes and heating ducts should also be wrapped with insulation.

Double-paned windows help to keep your house warm, and they soundproof it against outside noises.

8. Kitchen Needs

 

Let the chief cook decide what constitutes the perfect kitchen. You might not find perfection, but you should be able to check off most of the items on your wish list. Keep in mind that the appliances can be replaced, but if you prefer a gas stove, make sure there is a gas line available if you intend to replace the electric range.

Look at the layout, the amount of cabinet space, the number of sinks, and the overall size. This is one area in which you won’t want to compromise if you do a lot of cooking.

New Home Inspections

You’ve probably done all you can do in these eight steps. Now you need to hire a home inspector to make sure that the wiring is up to code, the foundation is solid, and there are no wood-eating pests.

House-Hunt with an Expert 

 

Whether you’re buying or selling a home in Malibu, Pacific Palisades, or LA’s west side, you need the help of an experienced and dedicated Real Estate Agent. Purchasing a house and deciding on a new home is a big step. Use a qualified agent when you take it!