Buying a home is a lifetime investment and you need to be very cautious to avoid losing money, buying the wrong home, or buying in the wrong neighborhood. Buying a house is a process that involves a series of steps with the aim of making the wrong decisions. Sometimes, when buying a house, the help of professionals is needed; for example, for inspection to make sure the house is in proper condition. If you are considering buying a home, here are 10 things to consider:

1. Ceiling

The roof of a house plays a key role in ensuring that your valuable items and your family members are safe from different weather conditions. It is important to understand that roofs have a useful life, depending on the materials used and the type of roof. Therefore, before buying a house, make sure that the roof is in good condition and that it has not exceeded its useful life to prevent leaks. You can have a roofing contractor perform an inspection to avoid incurring additional roof repairs or replacements after you buy the home.

2. the plumbing system

The home’s plumbing system must work properly to avoid additional costs. Make sure you like the way the toilet flushes, check the drains, water pressure, and faucets in the bathrooms and kitchen. Also, you should know how long it takes for hot water to get to the shower, if there is a water softener, and how old the water heater is. Most water heaters have a useful life of between 10 and 15 years depending on the model, how they were maintained and how often they were used, as well as other factors. Therefore, checking the age of the water heater will help you know when to replace it; thus helping you determine if the home is worth buying.

3. The size and floor plan.

When buying a house, you are obviously thinking about settling down with your family and your future. The size of the house and the floor plan are some of the factors that you should consider to make the right decision. Depending on the type of family you want to have, the size of the house will be a determining factor, since a large house can offer enough space for your family and friends when they visit you, as well as a home office. However, you will have to pay more for a bigger house, both in mortgage and utility bills.

4. Rent

Your neighborhood plays a key role when buying a home because it not only affects the value of the home but also the availability of resources and security. You should collect as much information about the neighborhood as possible to make sure it is safe and has all the facilities (social services) you need. Consider the proximity of your home to your workplace and the ease of access because you will need it every day. However, you should know that location can determine the value of your home.

5. Electric systems

Just like your plumbing system, your electrical system must work properly to prevent potential injuries and accidents. A good electrical system also costs little to no maintenance and repair after the home is purchased. Therefore, when evaluating the electrical system, make sure you know how much the electrical system can handle, whether the electrical outlets are updated to take grounded outlets, or the type of electrical system used to wire your home. If you can’t perform the assessment yourself, hiring an electrician is a better option.

6. kitchen appliances

You will need to use your kitchen every day after you buy the house. Therefore, check the condition of the microwave, refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and other kitchen appliances. If the house has a gas stove, you need to know if it has a pilot light or ignition starter, and especially if these kitchen appliances will be sold with the house. You can decide whether you want them or buy your own kitchen appliances based on your preferences and budget estimates.

7. Indoor environmental risks

It is important to look for environmental hazards inside a home to avoid exposing yourself and your family to health hazards caused by toxic substances. For example, in an older home, you should look for any asbestos lining in the furnace, pipes, heating systems, and hot water heaters. Make sure the database is tested for poisonous gases, for example radon, which is carcinogenic and can cause lung cancer. You should also keep an eye out for carbon monoxide and vermin to make sure your home is safe. Finally, an inspector must determine if the home has lead-based paint because it is poisonous. In fact, homes offered for sale must not have lead-based paint per federal law.

8. structural problems

Although you can’t buy an older home in perfect condition, it should have little to no structural problems. If you buy a house that has numerous structural problems knowingly or unknowingly, you will end up spending a lot of money trying to fix them. Know the condition of the interior walls, roof, gutters and downspouts, flashing, doors and windows. Remember to also inspect the ground, as well as the fence and other structures in your house.

9. The bedrooms and bathrooms

First, you need to decide how many bedrooms and bathrooms your house should have, and then start looking for that house. This will be determined by your preferences, family size, and budget. Next, you will assess the condition of the bathroom and bedrooms, their size and closets, as well as the flooring. Your bathroom should have tiles for easy cleaning, as well as a shower head or a bathtub or even both. If you are considering adding additional space in the future, have an architect advise you if possible after considering lot use, space planning, and city regulations.

10 look outside the house

Finally, evaluate the exterior of your house because it also plays a role when buying your house. Do you have enough landscaping and a fence, where are the lot (or property) lines, and the condition of the garage? Do not forget to check the condition of the fences, the patio and the terrace.