Have you ever heard the saying “it’s on the stuff on the inside that counts”? Well, the same mantra goes for determining the value and/or risk inside a home.
While a buyer might be tempted and even distracted by features like paint colors and other finishings, other mechanical features should carry much of the weight of the buyer’s decision.
Here are some internal, mechanical features of the home, a buyer should consider:
Home Appliances
Figure out what the age and condition of all the home appliances are inside the house. Home appliances include, but are not limited to: washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, and oven.
These appliances can be expensive to replace, so even if you think you may be getting a good deal on a home, consider whether the age and condition of the appliances has been factored into the sale of the home.
HVAC System
Know what you are getting into in terms of the HVAC system. Like the other home appliances, it is important to know the age and condition of the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system inside the house.
There are a variety of HVAC systems that a home might have. Some of types include:
1) Forced-air system (which is the most common climate control system in North American homes)
2) Gravity air furnace systems (which are no longer installed in modern homes, but do still exist in some older homes)
3) In-floor radiant heating system
4) Traditional boiler and radiator systems (which are often found in older homes and apartment buildings)
5) Hot water baseboard radiator (which is a modern system)
6) Heat pump (which is the newest home heating and cooling technology)
The bottom-line? Don’t be let curb appeal and décor disguise the internal, mechanical features of a home. These internal, mechanical features run on a daily basis in most cases and can be costly to maintain, repair, or replace depending on the system.
Know what internal, mechanical features are installed in your new home, so that you as a buyer and a future homeowner are prepared.