What Repairs to Look for When Considering a Home Purchase
No one said that navigating the home purchase process was easy. In a perfect world, buyers and sellers would quickly come to an agreement that suited both parties’ interests and there’d be no need to worry about potential problems, false information, honest mistakes, and so on. But since we don’t live in such an idyllic realm, every interested buyer must do their due diligence before signing on the dotted line. Generally speaking, the seller won’t be obligated to make certain repairs prior to your purchase, so it’s crucial to request a thorough inspection and get a clear sense of the various shortcomings that need to be addressed in a given home. Let’s go over some of the most common repairs to look for when getting closer to buying a home.
Problems to Check Before Buying a House
Plumbing Problems
A home’s plumbing infrastructure is often one of the largest points of concern because of its complexity and largely unseen nature. Simply put, most homeowners don’t think about their pipes and water systems until there’s a serious problem, which means maintenance often gets put on the backburner. If you’re planning on purchasing a particular home, get a proper assessment of its plumbing components. It’s only a matter of time for a home with outdated, worn down pipes, valves, and other features to experience plumbing-related issues. Repairing and/or replacing these systems, while costly in the short-term, will end up saving you money and frustration in the long run while also protecting the home’s overall integrity.
Roof and Siding Repairs
When considering a home purchase, its envelope (i.e., its exterior features, such as siding, windows, roof, etc.) often requires a closer look. These exterior surfaces bear the brunt of environmental wear and tear, but some homeowners will put off making these repairs because they can be costly and might seem like merely a cosmetic concern. While cracked, peeling siding and missing shingles will certainly diminish a property’s curb appeal, they also leave a home more vulnerable to various forces, such as moisture, wind, and pests, which in turn can lead to even more problems. Whether you or the seller invests in these repairs, it’s worth it for the beauty, integrity, and safety of the place.
Heating and Cooling Systems
Like any other feature or system, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems have an expiration date. This lifespan can be extended with proper care and maintenance, but after 15-20 years or so, even the best-kept unit will warrant a replacement. Even if a home’s HVAC components haven’t reached that age, they might be in need of repair. Whatever the case, you’ll want to ensure that your home is outfitted with a functional and energy-efficient HVAC system so you remain comfortable and your interior spaces are properly controlled and ventilated.
Drywall and Ceiling Issues
Cracks and flaws in a home’s drywall and/or ceiling might not be the most pressing matters when looking for repairs, but these are common concerns that may speak to deeper issues as well, such as water leakages or foundational shifts. In most cases, a drywall repair project is relatively inexpensive and easy to resolve, requiring some minor patching and paint touch-ups. The same goes for ceilings. However, if a home’s ceiling is from a bygone era (e.g., popcorn ceiling), you may want to have it removed or skimmed and painted over for a more modern look. Popcorn ceiling removal is a delicate process, however, especially if the material contains asbestos, which is why it’s essential to hire professionals for this job.
Flooring Flaws
Lastly, don’t forget to look down when considering a home purchase. Uneven, worn down floors can be a major safety hazard and also greatly reduce an interior’s overall appeal. Make sure your inspection team carefully assesses floor substrates and their coatings and carpeting (if applicable). You might find that fresh concrete floor coating should take place to reinforce and protect the home’s floors and/or that fresh carpeting must be installed to improve indoor air quality.
Getting Ahead of Home Repair Woes
Deciding to purchase a home is both daunting and exciting. Before you commit, however, it’s important to have an unfiltered idea of the property’s overall condition. This way, you won’t be slammed with expensive surprises in the form of various repairs shortly after you’ve moved in. At Anderson Painting, our team is here to help you get the most out of a recent home purchase through our various renovation and repair services. To learn more about us and all we do, call today at 919-610-1855 or email us at info@andersonpaintingnc.com!
