If you’ve been looking for your ideal house for months, don’t forget to think about a few key elements before signing the paperwork.
Finding a house that meets all of your requirements and expectations is exciting. It can be a great weight lifted off your shoulders to find something that fits your budget while also having all of the space and facilities you desire.
However, is there something lurking below the surface that may have a bigger influence on you in the future? Are there difficulties that will result in your house insurance premiums increasing? Are there vermin or unsightly trees that might jeopardize your foundations? Is there a strange stream of vehicles coming to pick up our kids at school every day?
From the horse’s mouth, here are some warning flags to consider while choosing a future home.
Don’t Forget to Do a Complete Check
You’ve investigated the area and examined your preferred new house carefully – but have you sought expert advice?
We recommend getting inspection reports from reputable firms, such as pest inspections, pool inspections, building inspections, and plumbing and electrical checks.
The most important aspect to consider from an insurance standpoint is that insurance covers you for unforeseen occurrences that occur after you buy your policy, not events that already existed at the time. If, for example, a water leak had already begun while you were purchasing the home, your insurance would be unlikely to cover it, so you’d want a skilled inspector to find potential problems like this before buying.
Keep an Eye Out for Trees
Isn’t your lush, green backyard gorgeous? It most certainly is, but huge trees can cause a variety of concerns.
Most importantly, robust root systems might cause obstructions and damage to pipes and drains.
Furthermore, overhanging tree branches might be a hazard, especially in the event of a storm. Both may result in damage in the future, and drain blockage by roots may not be covered by insurance.
How Are the Pipes?
Plumbing issues are a costly problem to repair. So, before you purchase that home, make sure the pipes and plumbing are in good working order.
Take a closer look at the grass in your front and back yards for one more insider hint. If one patch appears to be long and lush when the rest does not, it may be a leak below the surface.
New Paint
Before putting their house on the market, many sellers will paint it fresh. Just make sure it isn’t deceiving you. Determine if the new coat of paint is hiding any problems, such as dangerous mould.
It’s not unusual for people to believe that the grout in their kitchen or bathroom is new but the tiles are old. If your kitchen or bathroom grout appears fresh but the tiles are old, there may be a mould problem beneath it.
Is There a Park near You?
Parks and other public places are generally regarded as a plus. However, the team confirmed that this may be an issue from an insurance standpoint. Parks and other public areas can have higher crime rates, which insurers will take into account while assessing your home. Meanwhile, being near bushland might increase your risk of fire.
Are You near a Public Station?
Train stations, bus stops, and bus interchanges have a reputation for being crime-infested. While being near to public transportation might make your trip less inconvenient, it may also affect the price of your homeowner’s insurance.
Unfavourable Locations
In addition to the main bugbears for insurance, it’s a good idea to triple check the position of your new home in general. Visit your chosen property and area at various times of day and days of the week to evaluate any noise or other annoyances such as traffic or being near a flight path.
Visit at night and during other times of the day, including school pickup and drop-off, early in the morning, late evening, and peak hours. Finally, talk to people at an open house about the property to get information on it.