Buyers: What To Look For When Buying A Home – Chapter 2

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Heating and Cooling Systems

Another item that can be costly to a homeowner is a property’s heating and cooling system. When looking at homes, find out how the property is heated and/or cooled, the age of the system, and if there has been regular maintenance on the system(s). Replacing an old furnace, repairing an AC unit, or even installing a new HVAC system altogether can get into the thousands, and as a new homeowner, the last thing you want is a huge dent to your bank account after closing on your new home.

Plumbing

A home’s plumbing system isn’t readily available to inspect, but you can look for telltale signs of plumbing issues when touring homes. Weak water flow, slow/clogged drains, and rattling and/or discolored pipes are all indicators that there could be problems with the plumbing system. Another indicator is sewer odors coming from the toilets or even from under the house. Get as much information as possible on the state of the water heater, pipes, and toilets. Test the faucets in the home, and make sure to flush the toilets. If you have made an offer, get a sewer scope inspection to ensure there are no issues with the sewer lines. Plumbing issues can also get costly, so ask questions and get inspections before the deal is final.