Top 5 Problems to Look Out for When Buying a New Home

Buying a new home can be exciting and nerve-racking. Even a thorough home inspection by a professional can leave some items undiscovered that can turn into problems in the first few years of home ownership.

First time home buyers are especially susceptible as they may not know what kind of problems to expect. Here are the top five problems that you should be aware of when buying a new home to avoid any type of inconvenience.

Over two decades ago, the nation banned use of piping in homes. Copper and other plastics are common in new homes, but if you buy a home built before 80s, you may need to have it inspected and checked for piping.

Apart from problems related to lead, older homes can be full of general plumbing problems. A leaky tap or slow draining tub can turn into a flooded bathroom or a burst pipe.

When multiple family members try to use water at the same time, you may run into unexpected problems. Having a professional inspect your piping can give advance warning of any problem.

Water damage can be a major headache to new homeowners. Especially when buying foreclosed or short sale housing, the likelihood of having water damage increases. Water damage can be simple to fix such as cutting out and replacing a section of drywall, but it can cost too much if you're unable to do it yourself.

One of the worst problems with water damage is growth of mold. Mold growth is difficult to remove and could lead to health and lung related problems for those living in the home. Fixing water damage can uncover burst pipes forgotten about after a cold winter which will need repair and replacement.

Most roofs are built to last at least 20 to 30 years, but ensuring to have your roof professionally inspected will tell whether or not you will need to repair your roof soon. A leaky roof can cause water damage in the house. Old shingles can blow in the wind and not provide protection to the interior.

White roofs are a growing trend as they help lower cooling costs. While there is a cost saving, in the long run, the initial expenses of switching to a white roof can be staggering. When buying a new home, make sure the roof will last for several years, saving you a solid amount of money.

Air conditioning and heating systems are a huge point of potential expenses. AC units left unmaintained could cost thousands to replace. The same goes for furnaces or other heating systems that have been neglected.

Having these items professionally checked will tell if you could expect a problem. Oftentimes a home warranty is a wise investment as it will lower cost of repair and replacing appliances and other parts of your home.

Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that often goes unnoticed. It has no smell and can quickly build up in closed spaces. Installing a carbon monoxide detector is a must, but knowing that your house has a leak before you buy it is even better. Have your home checked for CO levels and find the source of the problem before buying.

By being aware of possible defects with your new home, you can catch problems before they turn disastrous. Buying a new home can be an enjoyable experience, just make sure you don't turn blind to potential hazards.