When buying a home, it can be challenging to know what to look for. Should you look for a garage, a spacious bedroom or even a big driveway? You could, but you should also look for structural aspects of the home. Ensuring that the house you are buying is made with quality materials that will not either wear down or break, will project a happy and safe home ownership.
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Below are the specific things you should look for in a house to make sure that your future home will stand strong!
Exterior Face
The base of a house is what keeps it afloat. Making sure that you have a safe foundation is key.
Brick is very low maintenance and long-lasting but there are limited colour options and it does get quite expensive. Brick is also eco-friendly and is resistant to fire and infestations that may occur. It is also a great temperature regulator that can increase the comfortability of your home.
Vinyl Siding is quite durable in various weather conditions and is significantly cheaper but it is not as eco-friendly and can be susceptible to leaks. Though vinyl siding doesn’t require a lot of maintenance, in the case that it does break or tear, the entire plank will need to be repaired which can become costly.
Roofing
Metal roofing is more expensive, lasts usually twice as long as asphalt, endures worse weather, has better energy efficiency and tends to weigh less, putting less stress on your foundation.
Asphalt roofing is cheap and easier to install, it is somewhat durable but can be damaged with weather.
Slate roofing is made up of tiled slates that can come in various colours. This roofing type is very durable, fire-resistant and eco-friendly as it can be recycled. The downsides are that it is very expensive, heavy and takes a lot of work and precision to install.
Foundation
Looking for the foundation can help buyers avoid costly repairs if it is already damaged and possibly leaking. Always remember to ask the realtor about the foundation if it is not visible. Here are the three types of foundations:
Insulation concrete form incorporates insulated forms and poured cement. This option is expensive but increases energy efficiency and is far stronger than any other form.
Poured cement is the standard foundation for many homes. It is reliable and durable with a lesser tendency to crack while being easier to repair if needed.
A cement block wall is more prone to leaking because of cracks that can occur and is harder to fix, but is the more affordable option.
Windows
It is also important to inspect the windows on the property and make sure that they are operating properly. Faulty windows can spike your energy bill and be a safety concern. Here’s what to do and look for:
Double-pane glass is something to look for as this means that you have quality windows. This helps with sound, energy efficiency and durability.
Research the manufacturer of the windows if you can’t tell to see the credibility of the window and if it is a quality brand.
See if they are operating properly. Are they moving smoothly and sealing with no cold air seeping through?
Doors
Just like windows, it is vital to check your doors for operational malfunctions so you can enjoy your home to the fullest. Here’s what to look for:
Are they operating properly? Ensure that there is no air drafting through, no major cracks visible and that there is no condensation between the glass panel of your door.
Check the weather stripping around the door to ensure proper sealing which helps with energy efficiency and comfortability.
Are you currently looking for a property? Call us today to talk with one of Zoocasa’s experienced real estate agents to guide you through the exciting home-buying journey!
