What to Look for When Moving into Your New Home

Moving into a new home can be a very exciting time. Unfortunately, with all the hustle and bustle involved, it’s easy to overlook some of the important things you should be looking for during your move. By checking for a few potential problems, you can save yourself significant time and money in the future.

  • Air conditioning: A central air conditioning unit can cost thousands of dollars to repair. Although many technicians may be hesitant to run the A/C in extreme cold, having the unit properly accessed during the home’s inspection can save you money and a hassle down the road.
  • Roof: If a roof is installed properly, it can last as long as 25 years. However, natural elements can create cracking and curling or even cause shingles to fall off. Visually inspecting the roof, even from the ground, can reveal any errors that should be fixed.
  • Insulation: Ensuring that your home is properly insulated will not only keep you warm during the winter and cool in the summer, it will keep your wallet happy as well. It is important to have a minimum of one foot of insulation in the ceiling, and adding insulation to the walls will also help keep that energy cost in check.
  • Foundation: Checking for cracks in your walls, ceilings and floors is critical when buying a home. While not all cracks are a sign of foundation trouble, they may warrant a special inspection to be safe.
  • Heating system: Installing a new furnace can cost upward of $5,000, depending on the size of your home. While some furnaces can last for 20 years, others will only last to 10 years. Having your furnace carefully inspected will give you a good idea of how old it is and if you will need to replace it anytime soon.

By taking the time to look at these few things, you can prevent potential problems and possibly even negotiate with the buyer to get them replaced prior to moving into the home. Don’t hesitate to request that your inspector pay close attention to detail and provide you with a full report of each item listed.