way OT

[danzigrules]

My wife and I of 13 years are in the process of looking to buy our first home. I was wondering if any of you had some things that after you bought a home, you wish you had thougt about before buying. Stuff like things you might have forgot to look over, ask the realtor about, any suggestions that you can give a "newb" about.



Thanks

danzigrules

 

[Fingers]

Make sure the wiring is copper not aluminum. Check roof and foundation and anything structural for signs of stress. Check visable plumbing, Leaking roof, Age HVAC. If flood isurance is required and the cost of it. Also if you are required to join a neighborhood association as those suck ass.

Thats about all I can think of at the moment, but will come back with more if I can remember anything else.

 

[natethegreat]

It is cold where I live, Ask how much the gas/electric bills are a month.

 

[ProviaFan]

Make sure DSL and/or cable is available.

 

[Coquito]

Don't over-estimate what repairs qualify under do-it-yourselfers. We have a house that after six years, is still only half-way done, because some people think they know everything. As long as you can find a reputable contractor, you are better off with the time saved & piece of mind that it was done by professionals.

 

[danzigrules]

Originally posted by: ProviaFan
Make sure DSL and/or cable is available.

well that is a given

 

[danzigrules]

Originally posted by: Coquito
Don't over-estimate what repairs qualify under do-it-yourselfers. We have a house that after six years, is still only half-way done, because some people think they know everything. As long as you can find a reputable contractor, you are better off with the time saved & piece of mind that it was done by professionals.

well.. I am a unioun carpenter/aka can do almost any repairs myself


Thanks for the replies, Please keep em coming

 

[RaySun2Be]

It is well worth it to pay for a home inspection. It saved us from purchasing a house with a significant rotted floor problem that we wouldn't have caught on our own.

And if they find anything that isn't to code (electrical, plumbing, etc.) the owners should repair the problem(s).

If you are looking at homes outside of the city, make sure you know what the sewer/water setup is. City water or well, septic tank or sewer lines.

Oh, and make sure there is enough amperage to power a good size herd.

 

[Malak]

Even after you pay for the inspection, you may find things later that weren't even checked. We had this issue with the house we just got. Over $10k in plumbing repairs needed, something a house inspector won't see. I would make sure there is some way to have a little time after the purchase to get the previous owners to pay for things like that you might find.

 

[Coquito]

Originally posted by: danzigrules

Originally posted by: Coquito
Don't over-estimate what repairs qualify under do-it-yourselfers. We have a house that after six years, is still only half-way done, because some people think they know everything. As long as you can find a reputable contractor, you are better off with the time saved & piece of mind that it was done by professionals.

well.. I am a unioun carpenter/aka can do almost any repairs myself


Thanks for the replies, Please keep em coming

Plumming, electrical, roofing, heating, pest extermination. Be very humble about it.

Yes, like malak said. If something is found later on, let it be known beforehand, that the owner is suppose to have the place up to specs. That way, there is less hassle, when you give the guy/gal a call to complain about something.

Our boiler went out on us one day(about a year in), & we had it looke at. The owner sold the house stating that it was replaced within the last 6 years, when in fact, it was about 15. She payed for a new one, simply because she knew she was wrong & it would be useless to fight us.

 

[networkman]

Due to the age of my own house(and first one), I discovered a few items along the way. First, since my house was built in 1912, a 2x4 is NOT 1.5" x 3.5" as today's lumber is -- no, they're really 2" x 4". Important to remember for any remodelling projects.

Also, because the walls were plaster/lathe board, you need to expect the studs to NOT be 16" on center. Good to remember if you're remodeling or going to even hang pictures.

Another item I should've paid more attention to was the plumbing; in my case, it was galvanized, not copper or PVC. Galvanized pipe tends to develop buildup and deposits inside and due to the age of the pipe, I found my water pressure a little lacking. I've replaced most of it with newer copper pipe and oh what a difference!

Lastly, the roof. In Michigan, the code is that you can have no more than 3 layers of shingles on the roof. At that point a tear-off is then required and it must be re-decked and shingled - that's the case in my house, a project I *hope* I can somehow afford this summer.

 

[Insidious]

Look carefully for signs of water intrusion into the home. The attic, (look at the insulation material) the basement... beware of fresh paint on celings and basement walls. Warpage of celings, and walls (if dry-wall) and discoloration. Do you notice that 'musty' smell in the basement? etc.

also look closely at the tiling in bathrooms. Is the grout sound? has the tile been recently replaced or re-grouted? gently press on it... does it give? you want to know it if the dry-wall material has been watersaturated behind that tile.

Good luck and congrats on the new home

-Sid

 

[dmcowen674]

Is there a Homeowners Association???

 

[imported_MarkP]

I have an off-the wall one for you...

Ever hear of a fuel-oil tank? Before natural gas lines were run to homes, houses were widely heated by fuel-oil (a kerosene-diesel type fuel). Some houses built prior to natural gas still have these tanks buried in their property, and they can even still contain very old fuel (forgotten about)...

The worst part is, most home inspectors don't look for these by default, and previous home owners don't always have to declare them.


Take it from me, their a PITA! Have your lawyer ask them (via a letter, of course) directly about the existance of a fuel-oil tank..

 

[Robor]

Depending on your situation schools could be an issue. Many of my friends are couples with kids and the rating of the school their kids would be attending was a major factor in their decision.

 

[Dalephi]

It is always a good idea to talk to the neighbors. They might tell you something about the house you are looking at and you can also see what kind of neighbors you have.

 

[Coquito]

Originally posted by: MarkP
I have an off-the wall one for you...

Ever hear of a fuel-oil tank? Before natural gas lines were run to homes, houses were widely heated by fuel-oil (a kerosene-diesel type fuel). Some houses built prior to natural gas still have these tanks buried in their property, and they can even still contain very old fuel (forgotten about)...

The worst part is, most home inspectors don't look for these by default, and previous home owners don't always have to declare them.


Take it from me, their a PITA! Have your lawyer ask them (via a letter, of course) directly about the existance of a fuel-oil tank..

We still use ours. It's buried right under the porch. Deliveries every month. We accidentally almost burned out our boiler yesterday by not checking the water level(none). Luckily, they came over to fix a couple bells & whistles while we were getting a fill-up.

 

[Wolfie]

Excellent replies from all so far.
I just bought a house in July, and to say the least, the realtor that was selling the house thought I was nuts climbing in the attic, in crawl spaces, and well, just looking at things other then the size of the closets.

I guess a few things that I can try to add or just elaborate more on are,

#1 Don't be sold on just one house. Don't be afraid to walk away. Look around at other houses in the area. Ask for a history of the houses in the area and when they where sold and for how much. If your realtor is a good one, (Thank goodness I had a good friend as one) he will do this for you. Remember, they are charging a lot of money for using them. Get your moneys worth.

#2 Don't be afraid to ask questions. (see above)

#3 If you know anything about the mechanicals of a house, (Like it sounds) then make sure you are complete. If they say your taking too long, then something is trying to be hidden. Walk away. Remember, it's a lot of money and your largest investment you will ever have. Don't be afraid to climb into the attic. I did and found that the house had added insulation the previous owner didn't even know about. Look for Cracks in the foundation or basement. This could mean something serious in the future to fix.

#4 At the signing, don't be afraid to ask questions here either. READ THE FINE PRINT. Don't rush threw the signing. Your realtor will also help you in this area. They are supposed to know what each paper is and what it's for.

#5 Look at the neighborhood. This will dictate what you could sell the house for in the future. Remember what you are looking for and just remember that is what they possible future owner would look at.

#6 Windows, kitchen appliances, Pipes, Septic fields and when they where pumped out last or installed, roofing, siding, wiring, and whatever else you think would cost a lot of money to repair.

These are just a few things I could think of in the short time it took to type this. Good luck and I hope it goes easy.

Oh, and remember, buying a house can be stressful for you and your wife. I know of some that have been stressed to the limits because of the house they are looking for or something happened after the fact.

I guess the best thing I can suggest is just be patient. Don't think you can move in tomorrow. And ask them to pay for the closing costs. This will make it a lot easier on you, and if it means selling the house, the owners will be more then willing. And because you have no contingency (I am guessing) it looks better on the agreement.

Oh, and I know warranties here have been common place as of late. That may also prove that the house is in good order and if something does go wrong, the previous owners are responsible or the reality company will help pay for it.

Wolfie