4 min readWhen searching for a new house, you may be tempted to focus only on the big-ticket items, like the state of the roof, the size of the bedrooms, if the bathroom(s) or kitchen have been recently remodeled, the age of major systems, etc. And sometimes, all that due diligence can mean overlooking other things you’ll later regret.
Home inspectors and interior designers have seen this firsthand with their clients. Spending a little more time checking how the home actually functions day to day means you’re less likely to discover frustrating or expensive surprises after moving in. Instead of dealing with buyer’s remorse, keep these things in mind next time you’re house hunting.
Water Pressure
A faucet that runs normally on its own doesn't necessarily show how the plumbing will perform when several fixtures are in use. Don’t be afraid to check the water flow. Pay attention to how quickly sinks and tubs drain while the water is running; problems that aren't obvious when testing one fixture may become more noticeable when several are in use.
“At a showing, try running every sink and tub faucet at once, and flush a toilet while it's all going,” says Joe Barodin, owner and home inspector at Modern Insight Home Inspections in New York. “If the pressure drops or a drain gets sluggish under that load, that's a plumbing issue a single running tap would never show you.”
Signs of Water Damage
Don’t just look for an active leak, as other warning signs can also point to a major problem. Staining, swollen materials, corrosion, and patched areas can all suggest that water has made its way into the house before. Ceilings, walls, areas around windows, and spaces beneath plumbing fixtures can all provide clues. You don't have to determine the cause yourself–anything unusual can give a home inspector a specific area to examine more closely.
“The question shouldn't only be, ‘Is there an active leak?’ It should also be, ‘Are there signs that water has been here before? ',” says Nathan Hoover, owner and home inspector at Riverside County Home Inspections in Southern California. “There probably won't be an active leak when you walk through the home, but staining, swollen materials, corrosion, or patched areas are all signs that water may have been somewhere it shouldn't be.”
Roof Flashing
A roof may look fine from the ground while still having areas that need attention. An inspector can provide a much closer assessment than most buyers can make from the yard. Inside the house, stains or previous repairs near ceilings and exterior walls may also warrant a closer look.
“Check the roof flashing around chimneys, skylights, and any vent penetration,” says Barodin. “It can fail quietly for years while the shingles still look fine. Even from a ladder, it often looks fine. Underneath, water's already getting in and rotting the framing.”
Age and Condition of Major Systems
Always ask about the home's maintenance history, not just when equipment was installed or replaced. “A general rule of thumb I share with buyers is that it’s really important to understand the home’s overall maintenance history,” says Hoover. “Don’t just ask what has been replaced. Ask what has been repaired over the years. Knowing the age of the roof or HVAC equipment is useful, but past repairs tell their own story and can give buyers a better sense of what may be coming around the corner.”
Amount of Storage
Everyone knows storage is important, but that doesn’t mean it’s still given the attention it needs during house hunting. It affects daily life from the first day in the house, so look at its current state and where you could potentially add more built-ins or other storage solutions if needed.
Opening closets, cabinets, and pantry doors gives a better idea of the usable space than simply judging the size of each room. Also remember that tactical home staging can also make a space appear less crowded than it will once all of your everyday belongings are moved in.
“Storage space is the number one item my clients tell me they would have liked to investigate better before moving into a new home,” says Lucia Fuentes, interior designer and professional organizer at Coastal Maid San Diego. “Closet space, pantry size, and garage/laundry area capacity are typical items my clients express regret about not researching thoroughly enough before purchasing a property. In many cases, these seem adequate when viewed quickly during a walk-through but ultimately prove frustrating on a regular basis.”
Natural Light Throughout the Day
Lighting is not the same from sunrise to sunset. A bright house during an afternoon showing may feel quite different early in the morning or toward the end of the day. If allowed, see the property at different times of day for a more realistic sense of how each room will feel.
“Although rooms may appear well lit in daylight hours, they can rapidly lose that appearance by late afternoon or early evening,” says Fuentes. “By the time this is discovered, buyers have already signed the contract.”
