When we buy a new house, we look for certain things: does it have the space we need and a layout we like? If so, where is it? The kitchen and bathroom need to be changed. Is it well-lit? Is there a backyard that you want? Everyone remembers these things, but they aren’t the only important things about the home. If they’re extreme enough, they could significantly impact your money and your life. We make the outsides of homes look good and work well in our job. We’ve seen good, bad, and ugly things—our list of things to look at outside before you bid on a home.
When choosing a home to buy, there are exterior people, and then there are interior people. Check out our blog about outside inspection before buying a house.
Check out the landscaping.
Sure, you can always change a home’s landscaping. It can be pricey, but it’s certainly doable.
It’s most important to check out the number of trees on the property. Trees, large or small, can be considered good or bad.
Let me explain.
Large, older trees can be problematic if they have invasive roots and are grown too close to the home’s foundation, swimming pool, or other sensitive areas.
Then there are the big trees planted too close to the home and now looks as if they’re ready to eat the home’s roof.
On the other hand, large, older trees that aren’t posing a risk to the home’s structure add value to the house and may even help you save on home energy costs.
Foundation
See those cracks in the foundation? Before you get nervous about them, keep in mind that they may mean nothing.
A concrete foundation is stronger and more resistant to leaks than a block foundation. If the foundation is concrete, look for fissures that might enable water to leak in or uneven settlement, which could impair both the foundations and the house’s structure.
Take a walk around the house’s perimeter to inspect the whole foundation. Check behind any plants or tall grasses for foundation faults that may be hidden.
Walls
In addition to missing or uneven siding, Peeling paint might indicate more than wear and strain. While paint may peel due to aging, flaking paint can also mean that moisture is leaking beneath the siding, causing harm to the house’s interior structure.
Ah, a sparkling swimming pool!
Listing descriptions of homes for sale are often tantalizing. The adjectives come fast and furious if the home features a swimming pool.
If you’ve never owned a home with a swimming pool, brush up on their upkeep. From getting the chemicals balanced to skimming leaves and scrubbing the walls, a lot goes into maintaining a clean and hygienic swimming pool.
And how will you know if a pool and its equipment at home for sale have been adequately maintained?
Ask your agent to obtain maintenance records from the seller. At the very least, find out the age of the pool and the equipment.
If you find any, look for cracks and have the pool inspected by a professional.
Yes, it’s an additional expense to hire a pool pro. But, consider this:
Roof
You may make a quick visual assessment of the roof without even climbing a ladder. If you see curling or missing shingles or irregularly placed, this might indicate that the shingles are slipping. Have a home inspector evaluate the roof and the regions directly below the roof. A leaking roof has the potential to destroy property.
We’re happy to help you find the specialists required to give you peace of mind during your home purchase. Reach out anytime.
