Things to Consider When Buying a Home

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you will make, so it's extremely important that you purchase something that will be worth your while. Of course it's important to research the neighborhood and take a close look at the exterior of a home when house hunting, but there is a lot more that you need to consider beyond what an inspection will tell you. Thanks to Houzz, we've collected some of the factors you must analyze before sealing the deal on a new home:

1. Lot Grade: Although you might feel comfortable inside the home, carefully examine the steepness of the land around you. If it's too difficult to walk on or puts limits on the additions you can make to your home, it might not be the best choice for you.

2. Window Placement and Size: Windows can prove to be one of the nicest features of a home, but they are often the most expensive feature to adjust. Take a good look at the size and placement of a home's windows before making anything official.

3. Natural Light: Have you ever seen something that looks great during the day but not so much at night? Though often overlooked, it's best to check out your potential home at different times of the day to make sure that you like the look and feel of it whether it be morning or night.

4. Street Parking: Even with a driveway large enough to park all of your cars, always take a look at street signs to learn the rules and regulations of your future street. You never know when you'll have company or need extra parking!

5. Staircase Steepness: While it may not pose a problem at the moment, if you plan on having children or housing an elderly relative, steep stairs could be a problem in the future. Furthermore, if you need to bring furniture up the stairs, the steepness could heavily impact your ability to do so.

Of course, don't forget to look out for obvious warning signs such as leaky faucets or a damaged roof; all of these factors combined will help you make the best, educated decision when choosing your next home.

Phil's Main Roofing is a family owned and operated roofing company that has been serving Fairfield County and the surrounding areas for over 65 years. We find ourselves among an elite list of roofing and sheet metal contractors and are available to assist both commercial and residential property owners. For more information on how we can help, visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or contact us at (203) 838-4545 today!

Problems To Look Out For During Home Inspections

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Before sealing the deal on a new home, you should always have a qualified home inspector perform a thorough home evaluation. Many problems might not be visible to the naked eye, so knowing what to look for in advance could save you a lot of time and money in the long run. Thanks to HGTV, here are some conditions to look out for when evaluating what could be your new home:

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

1. Grade Sloping (Draining) Back Toward the Home: In the future this could lead to damp or wet crawlspaces, foundation movement, cracking or settlement. These problems could lead to rot, mold, uneven floors, or gaps in your home's windows and doors. 
2. Stucco Issues: Flaws in the application of stucco could lead to water damage that is too expensive to fix. At the base of exterior walls, a component of stucco-surfaced walls known as a weep screed is applied; if this becomes buried by patios or stoops that have been poured too high, the system cannot work and water may seep through the walls. If you notice the weep screed is disappearing because of concrete, know that one day you might experience water damage.
3. Roofing Materials: As roofing materials age, they allow unwanted water to enter the home. Also, if roofing materials aren't properly installed in the first place, it can lead to premature aging, and therefore, even earlier signs of water intrusion. Signs of an aging roof will differ based on the material, so do your research to find out what you should be looking for specifically. For some signs of aging asphalt singles, wood shingles, or terra cotta tile, click here.
4. Home Style vs. Building Materials: Always look for consistency in the architectural style and building materials used on a home. Home owners will often make adjustments to their homes that aren't permitted, so don't get stuck with the repercussions and headache that could follow.
5. Electrical Wiring: Faulty wiring is often the cause of house fires. While newer homes have an adequate supply of power and electrical outlets, older homes do not, so check with a licensed electrician that your home is safe before buying.

Other factors such as the year your home was built play a huge role in the frequency of problems that arise during home inspections. If you're looking for a home that comes hassle-free, keep these tips in mind and be sure to ask questions so there are no surprises in the future.

At Phil's Main Roofing, we specialize in both commercial and residential roofing. Our experienced team of roofers provide services such as new construction, water proofing, cleaning, maintenance programs and more that can help protect you and your roof from any serious problem that may occur. Call us today at 203-838-4545 or visit us online at www.philsmainroofing.com to find out how we can help you with all your roofing needs.