Checklist: What To Look For In A House in Rome NY

When buying a house in Rome NY, you should know what to look for because it can save you a lot of expense, headache, and heartache down the road. There are, of course, the obvious red flags that most people know to heed, but there are plenty of other subtler signs that aren’t so well known. To help you out, then, we offer this checklist of what to look for in a house in Rome NY.

First Steps to Take

When investigating a house in Rome NY, there are some larger things to look at first and some important first steps. These include:

  • Check out the roof. Is it new, or is it in bad repair? A roof is fairly expensive to replace, and a new roof on the house could lower your homeowner’s insurance premiums.
  • Look beyond the surface. Ignore the shiny new appliances and attractive paint on the walls. Go deep and check out the framing and foundation.
  • Is the HVAC system functioning well? If not it could drive up utility bills and is an expensive replacement.
  • Examine the plumbing carefully – under the house, under the sinks, and everywhere. Is there any evidence of leaks and mold?
  • Make sure a house in Rome is well insulated. Otherwise, you’ll pay through the nose on monthly utility bills.
  • Don’tstop at the structures – examine the land as well. Does water stand in the yard? Are the fences in the right place? Is there a danger of flooding?

You should also think about what would amount to a deal-breaker for you and keep that in mind as you make your examination of a house in Rome NY. Ask yourself what your lifestyle requirements demand in a house, and look for those things.

Checklist of What to Look for in a House in Rome NY

Now we come to the actual checklist you will use for a house in Rome. It follows fairly closely the checklist that inspectors use, so as you make your examination, note anything you want the inspector to look at more closely.

EXTERIOR OF A HOUSE IN ROME

ROOF AND  ATTIC

  • Missing shingles
  • Need for a replacement roof
  • Flashing where it should be
  • Signs of leaks

FOUNDATION

  • Visible cracks
  • Sagging portions
  • Tree roots too close

YARD

  • Proper drainage
  • Soggy areas
  • Condition of walkways and driveways

INTERIOR OF A HOUSE IN ROME

APPLIANCES (WHEN INCLUDED IN SALE)

  • Well maintained
  • Ages
  • Safety
  • Proper installation
  • Leaks under sinks

STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS

  • Evidence of previous fire
  • Cracks in walls (either vertical or horizontal)
  • Stains on ceilings, floors, or walls

SUB-SYSTEMS AND VENTILATION

  • Any smells or odors and source
  • The HVAC system in good working order
  • The water heater of sufficient capacity
  • Exhaust fan in kitchen

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

ELECTRICAL

  • Working switches
  • Outlets properly grounded
  • Functioning ceiling fans
  • Electrical panel up to code

PLUMBING

  • Unusual noises (gurgling, dripping, and so on)
  • Enough pressure at faucets and other fixtures
  • Evidence of leaks
  • Faucets, toilets, tubs, and showers shut off properly

GARAGE

Check for signs of wear and/or damage:

  • Slab
  • Ceiling
  • Walls
  • Vents
  • Lights
  • Door
  • Door opener
  • Roof

Talk to Your Agent

You also shouldn’t be surprised if you find problems and issues that need to be addressed. Almost every house has some defect or problem, but most of them will be fixable. It’s just that you need to be well prepared for what lies ahead. Then the next step after using our checklist of what to look for in a house in Rome NY is to hire a licensed inspector to give the house a thorough, professional going-over. You can find an inspector yourself or ask your agent for recommendations. And don’t forget to ask your agent what to look for in a house in Rome – she knows.

Contact us to learn more about what to look for when buying a house in Rome NY! (315) 351-2765

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