Buying a new home can feel overwhelming and scary. It is a big step in creating the life you want for yourself and your family. There are several things you need to check out prior to buying a house. Specifically, be sure to check out the foundation, roof, and siding of the home you’re looking at. If any of those three things are damaged or deteriorating, it can cost a lot of money in the long run.
Foundation
When buying a house, the first thing you should look at is the house foundation. It can tell you the strength of the house and it can cost a lot of money if you have to fix it. The foundation of the house is what keeps the house from falling down. To figure out if the house you’re looking at has a good foundation, keep an eye out for cracks. Any cracks in the walls can signify a bad foundation. Another way to find a bad foundation is by looking for doors and windows that don’t open or close easily.
Roof
The next most expensive thing to replace in a house is the roof. A new roof can cost upwards of $5,000. Checking the roof for damage is an important step in seeing if the house is sound. The age of the roof is also important. If you can find out the last time the roof had maintenance, you can get a good idea of the health of the house’s roof. An older roof typically has more damage and can lead to future leaks and problems down the road. That said, a good roof can last several decades.
Siding
Finally, prior to buying a house, you should take a good look at the siding. Looking at the exterior walls can tell you how strong the walls are and if there was any previous damage. Looking for discoloration on the walls, peeling paint, or cracks can show you how healthy the siding is. Decay and rotting wood also show signs that the siding needs replaced. While the siding isn’t as expensive to replace as the roof or foundation, it can still be a hassle.
Make sure to do your research prior to making an offer on a house. This includes having a home inspection. If they find something in the home inspection, you may be able to get repairs covered when you buy the house. Buying a home doesn’t have to be difficult as long as you do your research.
