Buying a home can be a very overwhelming experience. With so many questions that need to be answered it’s easy to overlook tedious things before making your decision.
When buyers are ready to look for a home and visit a few properties, they are often looking for the visual items on their checklist – size of appliances, hardwood flooring, stone counters, etc. However it’s usually the items that will end up costing you money that get overlooked.
Mainly you want to identify anything that might be an extra cost, ranging from minor replacements to serious structural work. Here are just a few things to keep an eye out for:
- Don’t be afraid to turn on the taps in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry. It will help assess the water pressure, drainage and overall performance of the finishes.
- Energy efficiency isn’t just a fad. If done right, it will save you hundreds of dollars on your utility bills throughout the year. Examples of energy efficient homes include good insulation throughout, double paned windows and energy efficient appliances.
- Can you furnish the space? Will the furniture you have fit or will you have to buy new furniture?
- Check the locations of the bedrooms. Do you prefer them side by side or at opposite sides of the home?
- Do the windows have screens to keep insects out?
- Is the home equipped for an alarm system?
- It’s important that the features in the home are built with good materials. Check the cabinets, floor coverings, etc. Does it look well maintained or worn out?
- Does the house have baseboard heating or is it forced air? Which do you prefer?
- If buying new, read through the Disclosure Statement to make sure there are no surprises.
- If buying resale, go through any available strata council documentation and make sure you hire a solid home inspector.
Each of the items above will differ based on the needs of you and your family. Buying a home is usually the biggest investment of your life. As exciting as it may seem, it’s important to take your time, do your research and ensure you are not making the decision solely based on emotion.
Irshaad Ahmad
