When you’re shopping for your dream home, it’s an exciting, but challenging time. Between a fresh coat of paint and luxurious washrooms, it’s easy to get distracted by the aesthetics. But beware of what lurks beneath the surface. Aside from making a list of your must-haves, it’s also good to look out for potential issues that may come up after the purchase.
Here are some things to look out for when viewing a home:
- Attic: Are there signs of a raccoon or squirrel nest? Is there mold?
- Living room, dining room and bedrooms: Look carefully at the electrical outlets, switches, windows and doors. Are they making funny noises? Are they all operating properly? Is there a leak on the ceiling or fresh patches of paint that may be covering something up?
- Kitchen and bathroom: Are all the appliances working? Do the taps run properly? Does the plumbing work? Do you see any leaks on the floor or under the sink? Make sure the electrical outlets within three feet of a water source have ground-fault circuit interrupters.
- Basement: Are there any odd smells, foundation cracks or leaks? Check the electrical panel—are wires hanging out? They show amateur handiwork. Do you see any cut joists in the basement or a sagging floor?
- Garage: Is the door closing properly and are the sensors working? The door from the garage to the house should be self-closing to keep carbon monoxide gases from entering the house.
- Outside: Do you see any foundation cracks? Are there trees too close to the house? Can you tell if any shingles on the roof are curling?