Buying a home can be a headache, especially when it’s your first. Between touring home options, applying for loans, and endless documents, the last thing a new home buyer needs is to be surprised by their home’s safety being jeopardized. We want to clear the air on all things “home maintenance,” and help make the process stress-free and approachable.
It’s no secret that the majority of homeowners aren’t the first to own their house. The natural wear and tear on your home, especially in previously lived-in homes, can be threatening (and even cause serious injury) if not well maintained. Below are some potential hazards in your home you should keep a mental note of upon moving in, and beyond:
Appliances
Appliances have a shorter life span than we sometimes realize. Ask yourself, when were the appliances installed? Are they working properly? Should you plan in your budget to have some of these replaced? Some household appliances to check on include:
- Refrigerator/freezer
- Washing machine/dryer
- Oven
- Kitchen stove
- Dishwasher
- Trash compactor
- Water heater
Outlets
Outlets have the potential to be very dangerous. Be sure to test out all your outlets. Are they too hot? This might indicate an electrical wiring short circuit. Do the outlets look outdated? Ask how many watts (1800-2400 watts is standard for modern outlets) your outlet holds. Plugging in more than your circuit can handle can cause sparking, or even fires. If you have children, cover the exposed outlets so they don’t cause a fire by inserting a metal item into an outlet.
Be meticulous with this process in order to avoid the injuries commonly associated with outlet malfunction, like burn injuries.
Lighting
Your lights are connected to electrical wires. Turn your lights on and listen closely from time to time. If there’s a sizzling or popping noise, you might have an electrical issue on your hands. It’s best to identify this issue before it’s too late and a fire sparks.
Roof
Roofs come in many shapes and sizes. If you don’t already know, ask your realtor or the previous home owner what the roof is made of. IKO shingles are said to be the weakest and most prone to damage, and it’s recommended that you replace those before you’re having to make emergency repairs.
Regardless of the roofing material, all roofs are prone to wear and tear. Be aware of how many years your roof has been installed for, and how many years that roof’s material is expected to last. Replacing the roof before it’s too late can save you money in the long-run.
Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Periodically checking your alarms is one of the most cost-effective safety measures you could participate in. A smoke and carbon monoxide alarm indicates an emergency. If these alarms don’t work, you and/or your loved ones could get really hurt. Press and hold the button on your smoke alarms to test them. A loud alarm should indicate that the alarm is functioning. For a carbon monoxide alarm, two loud beeps will indicate that the alarm is working. If there’s no sound, or the sound is faint on either alarm, replace the batteries.
Buying a home is a rewarding process, but it comes with risks. The truth about insurance is that if you’re covered, these potential risks will not be as catastrophic if they are to occur. Simply being aware of these risks, though, is half the battle. Perform a monthly or bi-monthly check-in on your house’s interior and exterior, and you should be in great hands.