Friday, October 5, 2007

home buying - "Things To Look For When Buying: Interior Concerns"

When buying a home, you naturally want to get the best home possible for your money. One thing that you can do to ensure that you are receiving a quality home is to check the interior for faults or things that may require fixing or replacing. The following is a list of interior concerns and things to check before making an offer on any home.

Discoloration - This is a huge issue in some older homes. Discoloration on the walls, ceiling, or floors can indicate a leak or mold growth. Leaks in the roof or plumbing can be costly and drastically affect the integrity of the home.

The Electrical Panel - It's always a good idea to have a look at the breaker box/panel when considering the purchase of a home. The panel can indicate the quality of the wiring and electrical system. If the panel is disorganized, then the wiring may be as well.

Basements - If the home has a basement then it is definitely a place you will want to check out. The condition of the basement can be telling of the quality of the foundation of the home. Cracks in basement walls could easily mean that the structure has faults.

Bathrooms - Bathrooms should always be checked for softness around the toilet and sink. If there is softness around these areas you may have to put in a new floor. It can also be indicative of a plumbing problem with the toilet, sink or tub/shower.

Windows - Fogged windows can mean broken window seals. This in turn means higher heating bills during the colder weather.

Smell - If there are any unpleasant smells in the home take note. Musty smells can indicate mold or mildew growth. Either can be a big drawback in a home.



http://www.realestateinvestmentarticles.net/Article/home-buying----Things-To-Look-For-When-Buying--Interior-Concerns-/2844