Things to Look Out For When House Hunting

Congratulations! You’re ready to purchase a new home, but do you know what to keep an eye out for? Just because you got your dream home inspected, doesn’t mean they’ve caught every potential problem. Educate yourself on what to look for so you don’t risk facing any expensive surprises down the road.

1. Bad Wiring: Overused and aging systems, as well as DIY additions, are the most common causes of faulty wiring. Not only is it unsafe, but it can be expensive to repair. 
2. Roofing Issues: To the untrained eye, a standard looking roof may seem like it’s not a problem, but it’s important to make sure it doesn’t need to be replaced. Repairs can be manageable, but depending on the materials a new roof can cost thousands. Find out if the roof has ever been replaced. If so, was the old roof removed or was a layer (or layers) of shingles installed over the original? If the base layer is over 20 years old, odds are you’ll need a new roof in the near future.
3. Plumbing Problems: Be on the lookout for leaky pipes and find out if the home is using any outdated plumbing systems, like polybutylene. For the most part, plumbing problems can be addressed and repaired, but every so often you’ll find the system needs to be completely replaced.
4. Poorly Maintained: Think twice before you pour your life savings into that fixer upper. If the entire home is poorly maintained, there’s a good chance you’ll have to blow your renovation budget on an unforeseen issue lurking under the surface.
5. Inadequate Insulation/Ventilation in the Attic: Don’t neglect the attic. Make sure it has proper ventilation and insulation. If not, you’ll be throwing money away every month on your utility bill.
6. Heating/Cooling System Defects: Be sure your inspector thoroughly checks both your heating and cooling systems. It’s easy to neglect one or the other depending on the time of year.
7. Mold: It’s bad for your health and bad for your home. Be sure to carefully inspect a house for mold before closing on the property. Mold digests organic material and eventually destroys it before moving on to bigger and better surfaces. It can cause permanent, irreversible damage and make your home dangerous to live in. Mold left to fester in your ceilings, crawl space, and/or support beams can cause the wood to rot, weaken, and compromise the structural integrity of your home.

If you’re searching for high-quality mold removal for your Long Island home, look no further than GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration. Our methods are environmentally safe and proven to work. We serve all of Nassau County and Suffolk County, so contact us today for a free quote at 631-940-8100.