You are viewing the Bayonet Home location.
Spring and summer are the most popular times of year to purchase a new home. The weather is better for moving, homes show better with lots of natural light, and a summer move won’t disrupt a child’s school schedule.
Buying a new home is exciting but it can also be an extremely stressful process. Not only are you making a large financial investment, but you also don’t know the ins and outs of a home simply by looking at it from the outside. One of the most often overlooked items is the plumbing of a home. Plumbing is often an afterthought and if things aren’t immediately wrong during the inspection, you probably won’t see a problem until a crisis occurs.
We want to prepare our readers who may be looking to purchase a new home with a quick checklist of things to look for as you house hunt.
- Check the Water Heater. Things to look for include the size (a family of four requires about a 40 gallon tank), the age, the condition, and the location. Look for mineral deposits, rust, and corrosion. Note any issues and bring them up to your inspector/realtor.
- Lead Pipes. If you have children, you should avoid homes with lead pipes. Any home built prior to 1998 is at risk for lead pipes. Be sure to check and make a conscious decision regarding the risks associated with lead pipes.
- Waste Management. How and where does the waste from your plumping go? Is it to a sewer? A septic tank? If it’s a septic tank, ask the following: where is it located, how often has it been serviced, and how old is it?
- Test the Waters. Does the main shut off valve work? Test that when you shut it off, no water sources work. Make sure that there are no major leaks.
None of these necessarily mean that the house is not suitable for purchase –just be prepared and negotiate accordingly. If you need help with estimates or inspections, don’t hesitate to contact us!