Look Out! Warning Signs When House Hunting

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

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Kittisak / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Buying a home is an exiting time in any person's life, especially if it's your first home. As you look at properties, it's important to remember that what you see on the outside might not always reflect what's on the inside - and we don't just mean the actual interior of the home. When house hunting, one should not forget to examine the architecture of the home and the elements that it is comprised of to make sure that you're investing your money into something that will last. Thanks to Better Homes and Gardens, we've compiled a list of common home defects that you should be aware of as you set out on your journey to buy a new home:

• Rotted Wood: Any wood that is exposed to moisture will rot and deteriorate over time. As you go through the home, specifically inspect the wood in the kitchen and bathroom since these spots are more likely to experience excess moisture. 
• Ventilation: Head to the attic and make sure that it is properly ventilated. If it's not, beware that you might be in need of a new roof before you've even finished unpacking!
• Poor Drainage: A poor drainage system around the exterior of your home could lead to flooding in your basement, garage, or crawl space. Not only does this damage your personal belongings, but it also weakens the foundation of your home.
• Electricity: Old or inadequate electrical systems can result in your breaks failing or unfortunately, a fire. If the person before you has lived in the house for quite some time, ask if any of their circuits have been replaced and make sure any repairs were done by a professional - faulty wiring is extremely dangerous.
• Heating, Cooling and Plumbing: A dated heating and cooling system is likely to need maintenance by the time you start to use it. Not only is this an unwanted expense, but not knowing is potentially dangerous since these systems can release carbon monoxide fumes. Don't forget to check the plumbing as well to make sure there are no drips or leaks from any faucets.

Last but certainly not least, always inspect a home's roof before signing. Old roofs may contain damaged or weak shingles or improper flashing. It's also important to make sure your home is equipped with the proper roofing accessories such as gutters and soffits to ensure an easy move in experience. Should you suspect any roof damage, address it immediately!

At Phil's Main Roofing, we are available to help you with all of your roofing concerns. Our licensed team of professional roofers specialize in new construction, re-roofing, leak detection repair, waterproofing and more, and are available to provide repair and preventive maintenance to make sure no further problems arise. Contact us at (203) 838-4545 for help today!