Before Buying a House, Look at These 10 Things

Shopping for a new house can be both exhilarating and stressful. With a few helpful suggestions, you can become an educated buyer and potentially save money on homeowners insurance in the process. Saving money on insurance is important because homeowners insurance is typically a bank requirement for most mortgages.

Ten Things to Look for Before Buying a House

1. Raise the Roof

Don’t rush to go inside—be sure to check out the roof before crossing the threshold. Do the roof shingles look relatively new or are there “waves” in the roof? If something about the roof catches your eye (like “Wow, look at all those missing shingles”), there’s a strong chance it will cost you.

But a newer roof not only means fewer problems for you but can also lead to a lower homeowners insurance rate. A roof made of exceptionally sturdy material is better equipped to protect against wind and hail, potentially saving you from future claims.

2. Not Just a Pretty Face

As you stroll around the rooms of your prospective home, be sure to eyeball the structural stuff—things like aging appliances and loose wires. Before buying a house, don’t let freshly painted walls or upscale decor distract you from the real bones of the home. The foundation will be there long after the pretty paint starts chipping, and you want that foundation to be solid.

3. How’s the Weather?

Before buying a house, remember: if it looks unsteady or old, it probably is. Heating and cooling systems are extremely expensive to repair and replace, and ineffective units can eat away at your utility bills. You want to know that those systems are up to date and in good repair.

4. What are Your Hard No’s?

Think about your deal breakers. What are the things that matter most about how you want your home to serve you? Do you want a lot of storage space for all your books, or do you need a large backyard for entertaining? Keep these answers in mind before buying a house.

It can be wise to buy a home now that may fit your future family or needs. Paying extra for a home with an additional bedroom if you’re planning on kids or guests can be a smart long-term investment.

5. Check out the Pipes

After you finish checking the faucets to ensure they’re in working order, poke your head underneath the sink. Examine those pipes for leaks, water damage, and mold.

Mold is not only unsightly and foul-smelling but could lead to severe health problems. If you have a baby, an elderly person, or someone with asthma in the house, you’ll want to be extra careful before committing to a home with mold issues.

6. Get a Lay of the Land

Be careful not to spend all your time focusing on the structure—examine the surrounding area. Are you in an area prone to flooding or wildfires? Do you and your neighbor share a driveway? Are any fences built and positioned correctly? It’s a lot to take in at once, but when buying a house, you have to consider its surroundings as well.

7. A Sniff Test is Worth It

Walk in and take a deep breath—smell anything offending? Sewage systems in older homes are sometimes clogged or get damaged by tree roots. If you smell something foul, get it looked at immediately. Some sewer or plumbing companies can detect any breaks or blockages by sending a camera through the pipes.

Other smells that might indicate hidden damage include pet odors, cigarettes, and mildew.

8. Insulation, Insulation, Insulation

Your home should be comfortable no matter the season. Look in the attic, at water pipes, and heating ducts to make sure they’re properly insulated. Doing this may reduce heating and cooling costs, keeping you comfortable in both summer and winter.

Investing in double-paned windows may save you money down the road. Plus, they provide an excellent sound barrier from outside noise.

9. Push Some Buttons

Literally, find your inner child and touch everything. Turn on every faucet, flip every light switch, open every window and door, flush the toilets, even taste the water. Purchasing a home is a huge investment, and you want to be sure everything works firsthand. Checking everything yourself will allow you to address problem areas and see if there’s a money-saving solution.

10. Get a Home Inspection

Let’s be honest—unless you’re familiar with all the inner workings of a home, there’s only so much you’ll know. That’s why it’s wise to enlist a professional home inspection company to check that the foundation is solid and the wiring is up to code. Home inspectors may also look for any lead paint and wood-eating pests.

Home Insurance Requirements by State

Understanding your state’s specific insurance requirements is crucial when buying a home. Here’s a comparison of what to expect:

Home Insurance Cost Factors

Understanding what affects your homeowners insurance premium can help you make better decisions when buying a house:

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a House

Additional Insurance Services

At A Plus Insurance, we offer comprehensive coverage options beyond homeowners insurance: