In the market for a new home in Seattle aka “The City of Flowers?” If so, there are certain things to check before signing the real estate contract and mortgage papers.

1. Roof

Description: Things you should check before buying a new home

Image via Flickr Wonderlane

Certified home inspectors will examine the roof for leaks and inquire about its age. However, it’s common for inspectors hired solely for appraisal purposes to conduct only a cursory inspection, focusing solely on visible leaks. This underscores the necessity of engaging a reliable service like roof leak repair NJ for comprehensive assessments and repairs.

Ask for documentation on original roof placement along with repairs or full roof replacement dates and repair invoices and go with great professionals like Naples roofer which are great for roof replacements. If the home was recently built, make sure you obtain a list of all sub-contractors including the name, address and telephone number of the roofing company. If a roof is in need of residential roof repair, most lenders request repairs be made with the help of professional roofers prior to entering into a mortgage relationship.

Taking care of your roof as a homeowner is one of the most critical forms of maintenance you can perform on your house. Not only does Bellevue Roof Repair & Replacement help insulate your home and prevent moisture from pushing in, but it also helps maintain the value of your property.

2. Basement

Just as the top of the home is important, so is the basement. Seattle is famous for its rainy days so check for dampness, visible leaks and mold and mildew. Standing puddles of water are something to be concerned with and the source of these will need to be revealed and repaired.

Basements are used for storing and laundry areas so it’s essential the home has a dry and structurally sound basement. You may need to seek waterproofing services from sites like https://www.foundationwaterproofingniagara.com/ if you want to remodel your basement.

3. Plumbing

Description: Get all plumbing inspected when buying a new home

Image via Flickr RJL20

When it comes to plumbing issues, it’s important to have a reliable specialist on your side who can provide comprehensive plumbing solutions. Plumbing problems can cause significant damage to a home or property, and it’s crucial to have a licensed and experienced plumber, like plumbers in San Bernardino County, who can identify and fix any issues before they become major problems. A reputable plumbing services like Cupertino Plumbing can offer a range of services, from routine maintenance and inspections to emergency repairs and replacements, ensuring that your plumbing system is at its best condition at all times. Make sure to hire experts who can provide plumbing repair in florida.

Water heaters, pipes, sewer lines, wells and septic systems should also be on your list of things to check. In addition, toilets, sinks and water pressure should be examined for optimal performance. Call a trusted contractor like Jim Dandy Plumbing in Seattle for inspection and quality repairs.

Qualified and licensed plumbers just like this plumber in Adelaide can easily spot areas of concerns and work with sellers and buyers and if a plumbing contractor is local, they are more likely to quickly spot problematic areas based on city and state codes.

4. Electrical

Nothing is worse than moving into a new home only to find certain outlets aren’t functioning. Enlist the aid of a good electrician to check all outlets, circuit breakers, wires and to ensure appliances and ceiling fans are working as designed.

In addition to ensuring all your electrical outlets and appliances are functioning as they should, a good electrician can also advise you on optimal lighting solutions for your new home. From finding the best energy-efficient lighting options to suggesting strategic placement for ambient, task, or accent lighting, the electrician’s expertise can greatly contribute to creating a pleasant and functional living environment, they can even provide a minor electrical repair before it’s too late.

Often, one contractor, such as your plumbing contractor can refer you to a reliable electrician that does electrical repair.

5. Windows

Check to see all windows open and have screens. Many homes in Seattle will come with not just screens but winter (glass) screens as well for better insulation during winter months. Replacing windows can be one expensive upgrade so during your walk-through, window checks are a must-do. If you are wanting to replace your single glazed windows but currently live in a listed building or period property, then timber frames like the ones at Triple Glazed Windows are the best way to go.

6. Property Liens

Description: Do a title search when buying a new home

Image via Flickr Chas Redmond

Although most real estate transactions will reveal any lien during a title search, if you’re purchasing a home on a land contract, a mortgage assumption and in some cases, a rent-to-own purchase, you may be dealing with the seller only.

It’s also good to know how would you pay your bills if ever you lost your income tomorrow. Loss of earning insurance / Income Protection policies are generally very straightforward and simple to set up, as it’s bespoke to your circumstances. It can provide an income on a monthly basis, tax free to replace up to 65% of the lost earnings. This can be set up to pay until retirement, or until you can return to earning a salary again.

Hire a title company to perform the search and if there are liens make the sale contingent on having the liens removed.  You can’t remove easements or land grants (more common in western states) but understanding the laws behind them will give you peace of mind.

Buying a home is an exciting event but new homeowners need to really dive in investigate all of these items and have professional contractors aid them to ensure the home they’re buying is in tip top shape.

Guest Contributor Amanda Brown is a freelance writer whom enjoys playing and coaching volleyball. She loves her friends and family including her dog, Charlie; as well as traveling all around the world.