Buying a home is one of the biggest and most important decisions you will make in your life. The house you choose will affect both you and your family’s everyday life for years, up until the point you decide to move again.

With this in mind, it is important to know what to look for and what aspects to pay attention to. You don’t want to end up with unexpected problems down the road that will set you back. If you have been looking at homes in the Berks County area, here are some aspects you should pay attention to.

Location

If you are reading this article, you may have already decided you want to live somewhere in the Berks County area. Yet, there are many different places to live in the county. Do you want to live near a city like Reading or Wyomissing, where there are many convenient things to do and places to eat? Or would you rather live in a more quiet and rural area where you can observe the wildlife and other scenery? If you have kids, consider the school they would go to and its reputation. These are all questions you should ask yourself before deciding on which house you should make your home.

Future Needs

After you know what location you want, you should consider if the homes you are looking at can accommodate your future needs. Are you planning on having children and need some spare rooms? Do you have an aging parent who may need to stay with you? Do you have a dog or other pet you would like to accommodate? Do you want to throw lots of parties and need a space that can accommodate many people? Before you start looking, think about what you are looking for in a house.

While you are out viewing homes, try to imagine a future there. Are there any problems you can see yourself running into? Are these problems easily fixed or would it be better to look elsewhere? By thinking about these aspects ahead of time, you can save yourself some future headaches.

Issues With The Foundation

Over time, houses settle and can develop hairline cracks. This is normal. However, while touring homes you will want to look for major foundation issues. This includes things like large gaps in the wall, slanted walls, uneven flooring, chipping or cracking flooring, and issues with the posts or supports. As you go from room to room, also try opening the doors and windows.  If they have trouble opening or closing, this could be a sign there is an issue with the foundation. Fixing the foundation can be expensive, so save yourself some cash by checking the foundation before you buy your new home.

Need For Repairs or Renovations

While looking for flaws in the foundation, you should look at the rest of the house as well. Does anything else need to be repaired, renovated or updated? These aspects can also be expensive or time-consuming to fix. Test the faucets and showers to make sure the plumbing is okay. Look for stains or watermarks on the walls, floors, and ceilings. Check the electrical boxes and make sure everything is up to date.

Don’t forget to check the garage and the outside of the house as well. Does the roofing need to be repaired or replaced? How do the rain gutters look? What about the overall look of the house in general? While you are outside, check out your neighbors’ yard as well. Is it well taken care of and do they seem like people you would like to live next to?

HVAC System and Insulation

Finally, don’t forget to take a look at the HVAC system. An HVAC system is another large investment that you may not want to have to replace right after moving in. Look at the system and make sure there are no obvious problems with it, ask about its age and maintenance history, look at the energy labels, and pay attention to if each room is comfortable.

If you do choose a home and need help assessing the HVAC system you can call on the professionals at B&L Ott. We have been serving homeowners in Berks County for almost three decades and have plenty of satisfied customers. Let us help you keep you and your family comfortable in your new Berks County home.