Buying a home can be an exciting time in a person’s life. It is a big step and it can often be accompanied by a fairly long process. This consists of saving for a down payment, finding the right agent, and of course, visiting homes.
When on these visits, it can be a little overwhelming in terms of what you should be focusing on. However, there are a couple of things you need to be sure to keep an eye out for. These can be crucial when evaluating the quality of a home and how well it fits your needs.
Without any further ado, let’s go over ten things you should look for when buying a house.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
If you want to save money and help reduce your carbon footprint, you should be on the lookout for energy efficient appliances. They will work the same as traditional models, only use much less energy and water. While choosing the right electricity provider can help lower your utility bills, using efficient appliances has the potential to save you hundreds or even thousands annually. For comfort consider buying a dehumidifier
A Decent-Sized Garage
Another thing to look for is a home with a garage. Not only will it protect your car from damage and potential burglars, but also give you a ton of places to store things like bikes, garden equipment, your recycling and anything you may not want in the house. While any garage is decent, the larger the garage, the most space you have to store things. Garages are especially crucial in cold and snowy environments.
Enough Bedrooms and Bathrooms
Another thing to look at is the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. The amount needs to not only work for you today, but also your future plans for a family. In general, you can never have too many bedrooms. In addition to the number of these rooms, you also want to look at their condition and size. For example, the bedroom should be big enough for a bed and dresser, and have a decent closet. When it comes to bathrooms, the water pressure should be good, and the quality of the vanity, tub, and toilet should also be examined. The last thing you want are surprises after you move in.
An Adequate Amount of Storage
You also want to make sure the home has adequate space for storage. A lack of space can lead to a ton of clutter, and can make the home a little too cramped. There should be decent-sized closets for jackets, clothing and linens, and plenty of places to store things you don’t use all the time such as camping gear, luggage, workout equipment and more. Unfortunately, space often comes at a premium, so you may need to get creative with your storage in some cases.
A Nice Yard
While the inside of the home is important, there will certainly be some times you want to enjoy the outdoors. Because of this, it is a good idea to look at the backyard of a home in a lot of detail. What constitutes a “nice” yard can vary from person to person. Some will prefer a low-maintenance space to relax, while others will love a large garden to plant their favorite flowers and veggies. While yards can be changed in terms of design and landscaping, it can take a lot of work.
The Curb Appeal
Speaking of the outdoors, the curb appeal of a home is also important. You want a home that looks good from the street, and has been well taken care of. Not only that, but you want to ensure the curb appeal is right for what you want. Some people may like a large front yard with a lot of greenery, while others may prefer a low-maintenance front yard with rocks. The color of the home and the materials used on the outside (siding, brick, wood etc…) should also be thought about.
A Safe Neighborhood
The area surrounding the home is also something to consider. In general, you want to live in an area that is safe, especially if you have children. This can give you a lot of peace of mind knowing you don’t have to constantly worry. In addition to safety, you should also look for a neighborhood with easy access to amenities, parks nearby, good schools and great places to go for walks.
The Heating and Cooling
The systems used for heating and cooling the home should also be looked at and evaluated. When it comes to heating and cooling, many modern homes will have a furnace and central air. However, others may use radiators for heat and an AC unit on the walls. There is no best option here, it just comes down to which one you prefer and can afford. Of course, you should always have a professional evaluate the quality of these systems before moving in, as you might not be able to identify any potential issues.
A Solid Foundation
The foundation of the home isn’t something many buyers will think about, but it should be. A home with a strong and sturdy foundation is what you want. If the foundation is cracking, or doors in the home are sticking, it can be a sign it isn’t in great shape. A home inspector should always go over the foundation before your purchase is final, but it can’t hurt to look at the state of the foundation yourself, as well.
A Kitchen That Fits Your Needs
The kitchen is arguably the most important room in the house. It is not only a place to cook and eat food, but also to gather as a family and entertain. As a result, you want a home that has a kitchen that fits your unique tastes and preferences. Sure, kitchens can be renovated, but they are among the most expensive rooms to fix, so it’s easier to choose a home with a kitchen you can handle without much need for change.
In conclusion, we hope that this article has been able to help you in your house hunting journey. While these aren’t the only 10 things you should think about, they are among the most important to consider and look for.