Searching for the perfect home is exciting,
but it can also be stressful.
There are many details to keep in mind when deciding which house is right for
you and having a checklist of what to look for can help.
Whether you have lived in Salt Lake City for many years
or are relocating from another city or state,
you’ll want to evaluate any homes you’re interested
in for current problems and future costly repairs
While hiring a professional home inspector is an obvious solution, you can first save yourself some money by looking for the following signs:
HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM DEFECTS
Common problems in this area include aged components that no longer function as they should, poor maintenance, and improper installation. While some issues are hard to detect if you’re not an expert, there are still some important questions you can ask and things to watch out for, such as:
- Signs of aging such as rust or corrosion
- Evidence of leaks around the system
- In an older house, how recently has the HVAC system been updated or replaced?
- If the system is running, does it make a lot of noise or unusual sounds?
In the event that you do purchase a new home and find yourself searching for HVAC contractors in Salt Lake City, Connect Heating and Air offers great service with a focus on professionalism and relationship building.
WATER DAMAGE
Damage caused by water is among the costliest to repair and can quickly add up to thousands of dollars depending on the extent of the damage. Water can cause problems such as rotting walls, movement in a home’s foundation, cracking, and mold growth. Some common signs to watch out for include:
- Grade sloping toward the house causes water to run back toward the home, potentially leading to many of the problems listed above.
- Evidence of foundational movements such as interior doors that have large gaps at the top of the door when closed, windows that are off-center, and uneven floors.
- A poorly maintained and aging roof that is in need of replacement or repair can allow water to seep in certain places and slowly cause costly future problems.
- Areas in the home that appear moist or have discolored walls or ceiling.
FAULTY WIRING AND OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS
This is a critical issue due to the potential for fires caused by improper wiring and problems with a home electrical system. When evaluating a home’s electrical system, keep the following in mind:
- Age of the home. Older homes have fewer outlets, while modern homes typically have plenty in each room. If the home you’re viewing has few outlets, be sure to look for unsafe modifications such as spliced wires that need to be corrected by an electrician.
- Are there exposed wires anywhere in the home? Exposed wires can be damaged and create a fire hazard or risk of electrical shock.
- Does the house have the electrical capacity you need? You may want to reconsider running extension cords through your house. You could be using more electricity than your electrical system can handle.
PROBLEMS WITH PLUMBING
Plumbing problems can be very hard on your wallet and detecting them before purchasing a home can go a long way toward saving. Not every problem can be detected by simply turning on a faucet, but looking for the following common warning signs can tip you off to potential issues:
- Low water pressure. Do toilets flush slowly? Is the water pressure low when you turn on the sink faucet or the shower? Low water pressure could be a sign of a leak or damage in the pipes.
- Slow drains. This could be a sign of a sewer problem, especially if most or all of the drains in a home are slow.
- Pipe corrosion. Inspect visible pipes for signs of corrosion as it can be a sign of significant damage.
DRAFTY OR POORLY MAINTAINED WINDOWS
Windows that no longer function properly leads to poor temperature control and high utility bills. Older or poorly maintained windows that haven’t been replaced or repaired could not only cause condensation that may lead to water damage, but they also make your AC or furnace work overtime. Here are some common signs that windows aren’t functioning as they should:
- Condensation on the glass or between the panes of double-paned windows. This is a definite sign that there is too much airflow around the window.
- Water leaks around the window. This could be from condensation, but could also be a sign of a more serious problem, such as water leaking down from the roof.
- Windows are hard to open and close. This can be a fairly simple problem to fix but may be a sign of lack of care taken to maintain the windows.
By keeping these issues in mind, you could avoid costly future problems and ensure your success in finding a home in Salt Lake City. Contact Connect Heating & Air today to start making your home more safe for your friends and family.
