Searching for a new home is an exciting but challenging experience. As you consider buying a new home, you have to consider all of your family’s needs, your budget and keep in mind that you will be responsible for maintaining the home. Make sure that a quality HVAC system is on your list of essentials for a new home, and keep an eye out for HVAC and other maintenance red flags. Here are some tips to help you have a great house hunting experience.
List the Essentials
The best place to start in your hunt for a new home is by making a list of essentials that your new home must have. Get input from all your family members as you compile this list. Try to keep in mind that your family’s needs may change over time, so you’ll want to find a house that will accommodate you well for many years to come.
You have to focus on getting the right number of bedrooms, functional floor plans and designs that meet both functional and aesthetic needs. Keep a close eye out for some of these red flags when touring homes:
- Odors. Take a deep breath of air both inside and outside the home. Unusual odors in or around the home can be a sign of mold, gas leaks, water damage or other maintenance problems.
- Sloping or Sagging. Slopes or sags anywhere in the flooring or doorways can be a sign of foundation problems. Sags in the roof are a sign that it will need to be replaced soon. Avoid homes with yards that slope toward the home as these can cause flooding and water damage to the property.
- Several Homes for Sale or Sudden Price Drop. If everyone is leaving the neighborhood, it could be a sign that you should stay away too. Chat with neighbors to learn more about the neighborhood’s history and any changes that could be coming down the line that could have a negative impact on the neighborhood.
HVAC Red Flags
The most obvious red flag for the HVAC system is if the house is uncomfortably hot or cold during your tour. Make a mental note of how loud the system is and if there are any unusual noises, as those can be signs that the system has not been well-maintained.
If you get a chance, inspect the outside unit, and make sure that it is clean and doesn’t have plants growing out of control around it. A system that doesn’t look clean or has plants growing all around it probably hasn’t been well-maintained and could cause trouble in the near future.
If you have a chance to do your own inspection of the home, test out both the heating and A/C units by running them like you would on the hottest or coldest days to make sure they will serve you well. You can also test out the water and electrical systems to make sure that they work at full capacity as well. But be sure to have a professional inspect the home before you buy it.
Check out our blog for more tips, and contact Buckeye Heating & Cooling today for a free estimate!
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