Photo by Ronnie George on Unsplash
Choosing your first home is exciting and overwhelming. It’s easy to become overwhelmed if you’re looking at more than one potential home.
There are many factors to consider when you’re reviewing home choices. One of the most significant of these is to check the condition of the roof. Fortunately, most homeowners selling their homes invest in the roof repairs Melbourne roofers offer.
Know the Signs of a Good House Buy
The number one rule to know when you start hunting for your perfect home is that not every seller will be upfront with the problems of their home. For instance, they may neglect to tell you that the roof leaks or the home has termites.
That means that you will have to be extra vigilant when you’re looking at the property. Not entirely sure what to look for? Our simple list will help give you a few ideas.
- Check the Roof
Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting that you haul out a ladder and climb up onto the roof of every potential house you find. But it’s important to know the signs of an old, dated, or damaged roof. Since roof repairs can be quite costly, it’s essential to avoid setting yourself up for a massive expense down the line.
Here are a few signs to look for:
- Missing tiles: Check the roof from the street to see if you can immediately see loose or cracked tiles.
- Signs of foundation damage: A damaged roof may be the cause of water damage on the outside of the house. Here you’ll want to check if the foundation seems damp and the exterior walls have signs of peeling paint lower down the wall.
- Watermarks on the inside of the ceiling: Missing or loose tiles can cause water leaks inside the house. If this is the case, you’ll see this in the form of watermarks on the ceiling. These types of marks may also be accompanied by a musty smell.
- Look for Signs of Plumbing Issues
Potential plumbing issues aren’t always visible at first glance. In fact, some issues will go unnoticed if you don’t actually use the plumbing. If the homeowner or estate agent allows it, run the water in the kitchen and the bathroom to see if there are obvious signs of low water pressure or leaking taps.
You’ll also want to see if the water drains quickly. Other noticeable signs to look out for include the following:
- Water stains
- Sagging or loose floor tiles
- Obvious signs of mould or mildew
- Sounds of dripping taps
- Don’t Underestimate Termites
It’s important to know the difference between a simple ant and a termite. This is because ants don’t pose a risk to your home while termites can destroy the foundation of your dream home. Typically, termites eat through the timber used in the house’s structure.
In severe cases, this can cause irreparable structural damage. A few simple signs to look out for include the following:
- Termite droppings in the corners
- Damaged or splintered timber such as on doors or window frames
- Termites swarming around
- Discarded termite wings
- Bubbling paint where a water leak doesn’t seem to be the cause
- Stuck windows or doors
- Ask the Experts
Once you have made a preliminary decision about the home you want to choose, you can ask a few experts to confirm that all is well with the house. These can include the following:
- Roof inspection: A roof contractor will be able to do a quick check to see if there are no leaks and damages. They will also be able to tell you what type of maintenance you will need to do in the future on that specific roof type.
- Electrical inspection: If you suspect that there may be electrical issues, an electrician can check the main systems and all connections to see if there are any problems to be aware of.
- Termite inspection: A pest control expert can also do a basic termite inspection to help you assess whether or not the house has had termite damage in the past or currently has an infestation. Keep in mind that a home that has had termites before is at more risk of another infestation.
Speak to your estate agent about these types of inspections as well as who will cover these costs. Many homeowners may already have done these inspections and have them readily available as they know it will improve their property value.
Final Thoughts
It’s essential to keep in mind that shortlisting potential homes is about more than face value. While a house may look wonderful on the exterior and may tick all the boxes of what you need in terms of space and location, it’s important to know what to look for.
This is especially true since roofing, plumbing, and termite issues can cause extensive damage which can be costly to repair or replace. Know the signs of a healthy house to ensure your dream home doesn’t turn into a nightmare!
Sharon Howe is a creative person with diverse talents. She writes engaging articles for WonderWorldSpace.com, where she works as a content writer. Writing allows Sharon to inform and captivate readers. Additionally, Sharon pursues music as a hobby, which allows her to showcase her artistic abilities in another creative area.