Things to Look For When Viewing a House

When considering a home purchase, prospective buyers often focus on aesthetic appeal and desirable features. However, a comprehensive house viewing extends far beyond superficial details, demanding a thorough assessment of the property’s underlying condition. This step in the home-buying process helps uncover potential financial liabilities and provides a clearer picture of the investment. Understanding the true state of a home before commitment can mitigate unexpected expenses and ensure the property aligns with long-term financial goals.

Assessing the Exterior

The exterior of a house provides initial clues about its overall maintenance and structural integrity. A good starting point is the roof, where one should look for missing or damaged shingles, signs of sagging, or excessive moss and algae growth. The condition of gutters and downspouts also needs attention, as proper drainage prevents water damage to the foundation and siding. Roof replacement costs vary, averaging around $9,500 but ranging from approximately $5,800 to over $47,000 depending on materials and complexity.

Next, examine the foundation for visible cracks, leaning, or indications of shifting. Cracks wider than 1/4 inch, or those appearing suddenly, can signal more serious issues, as can diagonal cracks extending from windows or doors. Addressing foundation problems can be a substantial expense, with repairs ranging from $2,200 to $8,100, though severe issues can exceed $15,000 or even $30,000. Early detection is important, as delaying repairs can lead to significantly higher costs and compromised structural integrity.

Inspect the siding and exterior walls for cracks, rot, peeling paint, warping, or signs of moisture intrusion. Warped siding, gaps between planks, or visible gaps between exterior windows and walls may also indicate underlying foundation issues. Examine windows and doors for their general condition, seal integrity, rot, or obvious drafts. These elements contribute to energy efficiency and can impact utility costs.

Landscaping and drainage patterns around the house are important. Ensure the land slopes away from the foundation, preventing water accumulation that could lead to moisture problems in the basement or crawl space. Standing water or trees too close to the house pose risks, with roots affecting the foundation or plumbing. Finally, assess the driveway and walkways for significant cracks, uneven surfaces, or extensive wear, indicating future repair or replacement expenses.

Evaluating Major Interior Systems

Major interior systems involve substantial costs for repair or replacement. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is an example, with units lasting between 15 to 20 years, some lasting up to 25 years with diligent maintenance. Replacing an entire HVAC system costs, on average, between $5,000 and $12,500, with higher-efficiency models or complex installations reaching upwards of $22,000. Observing its apparent age, listening for unusual noises, and noting airflow through vents provide initial insights into its condition.

The plumbing system demands close scrutiny for signs of leaks, which can manifest as water stains on ceilings or walls, or mold growth. Checking water pressure by turning on faucets, looking for leaks under sinks, and flushing toilets identifies immediate concerns. The water heater’s age and any signs of leakage are important, as traditional tank water heaters last 8-12 years, while tankless units last 20 years or more. Water heater replacement costs range from $1,600 to $2,400 for tank models, and $2,400 to $5,400 for tankless systems.

Assess the electrical system by locating the main electrical panel, noting its age and overall condition. Testing a few light switches and outlets confirms functionality, but a professional inspection is important for detecting exposed wiring or outdated systems like knob-and-tube wiring. Upgrading an electrical panel, especially from an older 100-amp service to a modern 200-amp service, typically costs between $1,200 and $3,000. Such upgrades ensure the home can safely support modern electrical demands and are a significant investment.

If accessible, examine the basement or crawl space for signs of moisture, mold, or musty odors, indicating water intrusion. Cracks in interior foundation walls or sagging beams may indicate structural concerns needing professional assessment. If the attic is safely accessible, check for adequate insulation, proper ventilation, and evidence of roof leaks (e.g., water stains on the underside of the roof decking). These major systems represent substantial investments, and their condition directly impacts a home’s long-term financial viability and safety.

Inspecting Interior Spaces

Beyond the major systems, the condition of a home’s interior living spaces impacts livability and potential renovation costs. Examine walls and ceilings for cracks, water stains, peeling paint, or evidence of past repairs concealing underlying issues. Horizontal cracks or those indicating warped floors or ceilings may indicate foundation movement.

Inspect flooring throughout the home for wear, damage, unevenness, or squeaks, suggesting subfloor issues or structural shifts. In the kitchen, assess the condition of countertops, the functionality of cabinets, and the state of the sink area. Note if appliances are included in the sale and their apparent condition, as appliance replacement can add to immediate post-purchase expenses.

Bathrooms need detailed attention, including the condition of tiles and grout, the stability of toilets, and the state of the shower or tub. Proper ventilation in bathrooms helps prevent mold and mildew growth, leading to costly remediation if unaddressed. Observe natural light entering each room for insight into the home’s ambiance and potential energy savings.

Evaluating storage options, such as closet space and built-in units, helps determine if the home meets needs. Considering the overall layout and flow between rooms helps envision daily living and align with lifestyle preferences. While cosmetic issues are less financially impactful than major system repairs, they contribute to the overall cost of ownership and potential renovation budgets.

Considering Location and Records

A thorough house viewing extends beyond the physical structure to include its immediate environment and available documentation, providing contextual information. Taking time to walk or drive around the immediate neighborhood offers insights into traffic patterns, noise levels, and the general upkeep of surrounding properties. Proximity to essential amenities, such as stores, parks, and public transportation, contributes to the home’s overall desirability and convenience.

Understanding the financial obligations associated with the property is important. Property taxes, for instance, are assessed annually based on the property’s appraised value and vary by jurisdiction, often funding local services like schools and infrastructure. Researching the local tax rates provides an estimate of this recurring expense. Inquiring about or researching average utility bills for the property helps budget for monthly operational costs. Average monthly utility costs for a house range from $400 to over $600, covering electricity, gas, water, and other services.

Reviewing the seller’s disclosure statement is important, as it requires sellers in many areas to reveal known material defects. It highlights past issues, repairs, or ongoing problems not immediately visible during a viewing. Ask if previous inspection reports or records of major permitted work are available for review. Building permits ensure that renovations or additions comply with local building codes and safety standards, and unpermitted work can lead to fines, insurance issues, or difficulties selling the home. These records provide financial and historical context, complementing the physical inspection.