Purchasing a new home is more than just the price tag. It’s a big investment that should be carefully considered and budgeted for. Start by getting pre-approved and finding out what you can afford.
It’s also important to understand what you should prioritize and which items are deal breakers. Our checklist will help ensure your new home has all the essentials.
Table of Contents
Look at the Floor Plan
A floor plan is a visual representation of a space, including the layout of walls and key features like doors, windows, stairs, and main furniture. Ideally, it should also be drawn to scale to make it easy to read and understand.
A well-designed Davidson Homes floor plan includes sightlines that make sense for the activities a house will be used for, including dining and entertaining. It should also provide for flexible changes and additions if necessary. A good floor plan should also include standard shorthand for common architectural notations.
Look at the Roof
Buying a home comes with a long list of priorities for house hunters. These may include things like the number of bedrooms or a patio, the state of the roof, and the proximity to schools, work, recreation, and friends.
Try visiting the property at different times of the day, including during rush hour. It will help you gauge how loud street noise could be if the house is near busy roads. Also, check the condition of the attic’s ventilation and insulation. Look for signs of water damage and animal droppings.
Look at the Plumbing
Plumbing is a complex system that requires professional installation and maintenance. Understanding how plumbing works can help avoid common problems like leaks and clogs.
While the items on your house-hunting wishlist may include things like a patio and number of bedrooms, you should also consider the condition of the sewer lines. Untreated water damage can cause many problems, including structural issues and mold. Look for water stains on ceilings and walls and musty smells to get an idea of how well the plumbing is maintained.
Look at the Electrical
You might get a strange look from your real estate agent for testing out every outlet in the house with your cellphone, but it’s smart to ensure all outlets are working. Not only do faulty outlets limit the number of electrical appliances you can use, but they also indicate larger problems with wiring.
Indeed, buyers often have many different priorities when it comes to a new home. However, some features should be at the top of every list.
Look at the HVAC System
The HVAC system is one of the most important systems in your home. It is responsible for keeping your indoor air clean, free of excess moisture, and comfortable to live in.
Your home’s HVAC system comprises the furnace, air conditioner, ductwork, and thermostat. The right combination of these units will ensure your indoor comfort needs are met.
The newest homes feature HVAC systems that use energy-efficient technology and reduce waste. They also typically include upgraded insulation and professional air sealing. It prevents the energy loss associated with old, leaky insulation and reduces utility bills.
Look at the Appliances
The kitchen, the bathroom, and a few other appliances are important to remember when purchasing your next home. Make sure that the refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher are working properly.
No one wants to move into a new house and realize there is no running water or a coffee pot in sight! Make a list of household essentials, and use this checklist when evaluating prospective homes. It will help you avoid wasting time and money on houses that don’t meet your basic requirements.
Look at the Windows
When buying a new home, it’s important to take the time to look at the house as a whole. It will help ensure you don’t end up moving in and finding out that many things need fixing.
For example, if the house is by a busy road, be sure to visit during rush hour to see how much traffic noise you’ll have to deal with. You may not be able to tolerate it long-term. And if you have kids, you want to think about playground safety.
Look at the Doors
A good homebuyer will make a mental or written list of items that could use a little TLC. These might be repairs, upgrades, or replacements that add value or improve the house’s look.
These things may rank differently in importance for different buyers, but they are worth examining. Having your priorities outlined can help you narrow your search and only view residences within your budget or expectations. You also want to consider safety issues in the neighborhood.
Look at the Flooring
You’ll need many things in your new home, from running water and electricity to luxurious items like shower curtains and coffee makers. Use this checklist to help you determine the necessary and not-so-necessary purchases for each room of your new house. You’ll thank yourself later for being prepared on move-in day and not scrambling to get all the basics together. Your family will appreciate it, too.
Look at the Paint
When house hunting, you might emphasize the number of bedrooms or kitchen countertops, but other factors are equally important. For example, if you’re looking for an older home, you’ll want to look for issues like mold, asbestos, and lead paint.
Also, if you’re considering a home near a major road, visit it during traffic times to see how much noise pollution you can stand. A perfect home is only worth it if it’s quiet for your tastes.