Aquamaster Drain, Plumbing & Waterproofing Inc. - http://www.aquamasterplumbing.com/
A lot goes into finding the perfect home.
Theoretically it's very simple. You decide what you want, where you want it, and how much you are willing to pay for it.
Practically, however, it is not as straightforward. House hunting is stressful work and there are likely to be many false starts and failed efforts. If you're in the home buyer's market for the first time, we have three very important points to make to help you save time and take you closer to your dream property.
Define 'Perfect'
As they say, you'll know it when you see it.
Gut feelings are important in personal purchases, and a house certainly does qualify as one.
But while it is good to be guided by instincts, it's equally important to get out of your head and put on paper all the features that you would like your new property to possess.
Go through your daily routine and requirements and enlist features that would make life easy in your new home. Consult family and friends for suggestions.
• How big a house do you want?
• How many rooms should the house have?
• Do you want a wooden floor or a concrete one? (Wooden floors are recommended if there is a baby or a toddler in the family).
• How many bathrooms do you need in the house? (Depends on the number of members in your family).
• Do you really need an elaborately designed kitchen? (Those attract higher prices).
• How big a backyard do you want? (To entertain guests over a barbeque in summers or for your pet to get some exercise running around).
• Will the house be easily accessible from all sides for the elderly or disabled members in the family?
• What about the neighborhood?
• How much can you pay for the whole deal?
Create a list of the most important features and start visiting properties that match your criteria. Do not compromise in this regard, at least not in the beginning of the hunt.
Avoid Properties with Sloping Driveways
When buying a house you need to think long term. Particularly, how it will hold up over the years. A driveway that slopes in towards the house is only going to lead to flooding around the foundation walls during the wet season and dampness otherwise. It will likely lead to a flooded basement during rains, storms, or snow. Seek out properties that are on an elevation and are free from any possibility of water accumulation around them if you want your property to age well.
Keep Your Eyes Peeled for Cracks of all Kinds
As you inspect a property, insist on touring it in its entirety. If the house has a basement, you absolutely must pay close attention to how it has been structured and/or maintained.
Regardless of whether it's an old home for sale or a brand new property, scan the basement walls and pillars for any sign of cracks or even the slightest hint of dampness. Ideally there shouldn't be any cracks or dampness anywhere in the house, not just in the basement.
Cracks in the walls, however minor, can signal a number of problems which may or may not be serious. At the worst they could signal a waterproofing problem which you absolutely do not want to face in a new property. It's best not to take a chance and move on to the next house. You can always find better properties that do not exhibit these symptoms.
