Vital checks before you buy a new home

The excitement of house hunting can sometimes become so overwhelming that you may be impressed with certain exterior features of the home that you forget about the important stuff. Being a first-time owner, you may not know what to look out for when viewing a potential home.

These are the vital checks that need to be conducted before you put pen to paper:

Electrical checks
It is important to note that the seller is responsible to issue a certificate that reveals the state of the electrical status of the property. Should any shortcomings be identified by a qualified electrician, the seller would be financially responsible for repairs. Electrical faults in your new property can end up costing you a fortune if it is not assessed in time.

Assess the condition of the geyser
Imagine moving into your new home and the geyser bursts, destroying most of your belongings. Have you budgeted about R9000 to buy a standard new geyser and new furniture or appliances? Of course not! A wise move would be to have the geyser inspected by a registered plumber before you purchase the property. The plumber would be able to determine the general condition of the geyser and if its adherent to regulatory requirements.

Ensure plumbing is intact
Just like how a burst geyser can cause damage to your belongings, faulty plumbing can destroy your possessions as well as parts of the property. Water can seep through walls, carpets, furniture, and more if problem areas are not spotted early enough. You can test the faucets and ask your agent questions so you are aware of any deficiencies that the home may have. The plumber would be able to also conduct a check on the plumbing in the property.

Are the roof and ceilings in top shape?
While you are viewing the property for the first time it won't be safe for you to climb up to check on the roof yourself. A registered builder will be able to assess the condition of the roof or ceilings in the property and tell you if tiles are cracked or if a fresh coat of paint is hiding mould or dampness. He will also spot potential structural issues that may cause havoc in the future. Again, this will be costly to fix if you do not spot damages before buying the property.

Once you have signed on the dotted line and have the keys to your lovely new home, take note of these vital checks and things to do:

Analyse the security
Before you decide to move your belongings into the property it is advised to change the locks and ensure the windows cannot be opened from the outside. This should be a priority since you do not know who has a set of keys to the property. Also, if the property has a security system installed make sure it is in working order. Do not forget to notify the security company that you will be taking over from the previous owner and need access codes changed.

That one box
When you pack your boxes to move into your new home be sure to label them appropriately, such as dishes, towels, books, etc. This will help you identify what is in them when you need to unpack. Pack a box of your essential items for your first night in your new home. Include a set of clean clothes for you and your family, toothbrushes, soap, coffee mugs, and anything else you may need that night and next morning.

Buying a home can be quite a challenge for many individuals. Contact RealNet Properties today for all your property needs.