House hunting is always fun yet daunting. You get the chance to find a house that offers better features than your old one, but you also risk purchasing one that hides many issues from plain sight. This is usually the case with nearly new properties. These homes were built within the last few years but have been lived in by some people for some time. Now, they’ve been renovated to look like they did when they were brand new. These renovations are usually only done to make the property look good at face value while concealing problems that drive potential buyers away if they learned about them before the purchase. If you’re considering buying nearly new properties, look for the following things so you don’t regret purchasing the house and avoid larger expenses in the long run.
Defenses Against the Elements
Before buying nearly new properties, you want to ensure the home can withstand the elements. Many of these properties contain damage to the main structure, which should ensure the safety of the people inside from the weather outside. Don’t be fooled by the sleek walls and beautiful ceilings. Try to look deeper and find out if the home’s defenses are down, which can endanger you and your family.
Start by looking at the position of the home in relation to its location. Find out if the home is near any bodies of water. The house property might have suffered damage from natural floods, causing the previous residents to leave. This will be evident if you don’t find a proper home elevation that raises the structure and prevents water from getting inside during minor floods. If this is the case, the house might have obtained water damage, so the structure could have weakened, which should be a significant concern if you want to live here for the long term.
You should also look at the surrounding trees and greenery. Are there any plants or trees near the property? Are they healthy, or are they wilting? Or are they overgrown and taking over the land? The home property might be in great danger, depending on what you see. For example, tree health is essential to prevent damage to the home. If the tree shows signs of disease, the house can be destroyed by a dying tree that toppled down due to moderate winds.
It’s also essential to beware of pests. Various unwanted critters can lurk around nearly new properties, hiding in hidden spaces. One of the worst pests you can encounter is termites. These creatures will slowly eat the house from the inside, hollowing out the wooden structure and endangering the people inside as it can collapse any second. Make sure to check for signs of termite infestation and cracks and gaps where other pests might enter to live in the home. If you still want the property, do a little preventive maintenance now to avoid paying for damage from pests later.
Degree of Curbside Appeal
Every homeowner wants to have a beautiful house. A decrepit home looks terrible and can lower its overall value, preventing you from selling it for a reasonable price if you decide to move later. Curbside appeal is one of the most critical factors when gauging a house’s value. How nearly new properties look from the street can significantly influence people’s first impressions and, ultimately, their sellability.
If you want a property with excellent curb appeal, you should look at the lawn first. A well-manicured grass landscape is always a good thing. It allows you to do various outdoor activities, from gardening and landscaping to playing sports and hosting barbecue parties. But if the lawn doesn’t look perfect, you may be able to remedy it with a bit of TLC involving fertilizing the soil, mowing the grass, and removing weeds.
You can work with backyard designers if you’re ready to commit to the property. These professionals can maximize the available space and turn it into a beautiful lawn all year round. They can also add outdoor decor to add personality to the space. Fountains, natural stones, fish ponds, and trellises are all popular additions that designers use to improve the aesthetic value of a backyard.
The entryway of the property should also look good. You want guests to park their cars before a property that beckons them to step inside. Start with the boundaries of the property. Many nearly new properties will have fences to define where the land starts and ends, but you can invest in automatic fence gates to add to the curbside appeal. They offer a modern touch to the house and improve its privacy and security. Of course, they will also look sleek and expensive, which can make you the envy of the neighborhood.
If you plan to buy the property, make sure you also plan for a few finishing touches. Try to imagine if you can install a few additions to give the outdoor space more personality. For example, window boxes can hold delicate plants, a porch swing can make the entryway more welcoming, and a colorful mailbox can be a fun little post near your front door. These tiny details might not be essential renovations, but they add depth because they give the property some detail.
Longevity of Structural Supports
The house’s structure, especially for a modular home setup, is always essential, as it can dictate how long the home can hold up without showing significant issues. This is the backbone of the property, so you must ensure all essential structures are in good condition before committing to the property you’re looking at. Again, don’t let the shiny paint or new furniture tempt you to buy the property without thoroughly checking for issues.
Start with the roof of nearly new properties. This is one of the most critical areas you should check because simple issues can significantly affect other house parts. For example, leaks can penetrate the roof and flood the ceiling. The water will then seep into the material and run down the walls, allowing mold and mildew to grow, which you don’t want. Ensure the roof is free from these issues so you don’t have to worry about it anytime soon.
You can also make roofing changes if you don’t like how it looks. Nowadays, many people opt for metal roofing because it looks good, lasts longer, and requires very little maintenance. However, many also choose concrete tile roofing because it is resistant to weather and fire damage. Depending on your chosen material, you can have various options that can add to the property’s value in the long run.
Don’t forget the foundation of the house. Every home needs general contractors to set a stable and durable foundation lasting many years. The foundation is the key to a long-lasting home, so you want to check it for issues that indicate it’s not built to last. Talk to a contractor if you find any problems and see if they can fix them without redoing everything. Never cut corners with this foundation if you want to keep yourself and your family safe while living in the home.
Quality of Local Community
Aside from the actual structure, you might also want to look at the surrounding neighborhood for any issues. Many people are put off by noisy, polluted, or intimidating communities, so ensure the area fits your lifestyle. You want to put down your roots in a location that allows you to grow, not stress you out and force you to leave. Make sure to go around the neighborhood and look at the houses and the people. Do they look nice and happy? Are they peaceful and quiet?
When looking at nearly new properties, remember that you’re investing not just in the home property but also the community. Therefore, you should ensure it’s the right community for your family. For one, locate the essential establishments and see if they can fulfill your needs. You want easy access to the local grocery store and a good school for your younger kids. You can choose a public school or find the best private preschool where they can start their academic journey. Of course, a hospital or medical clinic is also essential.
You should also learn about the crime rates of your location. Not every neighborhood is a safe place for families, especially with younger children. Make sure there’s an accessible police station to respond to security and safety issues. You can also talk to your neighbors to see if they have existing systems for crime prevention, such as security systems and neighborhood watch groups. This will give you peace of mind as you build your life in a new place.
Finally, make sure to do some research on your neighbors. Some nearly new properties don’t even have neighboring houses, which can be a good or bad thing depending on your preferences and needs. If there are occupied houses beside the property, try to find out what kind of people live there. You want to make sure they are good and decent people. After all, you don’t want to deal with constant noise, litter, and other issues from the house next to you. With the right community, you can get a sense of belongingness that puts you in a good mood and makes you feel safe.
Remodeling to Be Done
There’s also the issue of remodeling for many nearly new properties. Although some houses look brand new, they might feel empty and plain ugly. If you still want this location and are willing to make a few renovations to make it yours, plan ahead to succeed. A bit of remodeling can add that touch of personality while also enhancing the functionality and value of the space. This is the time to whip out those home remodeling magazines and Pinterest boards to brainstorm for a new project.
You want to begin remodeling the heart of the home – the kitchen. This space is where you prepare food and sustenance for your family and guests. If you ever feel uninspired while making food, it will reflect on the dishes and tell the people you’re feeding that you’re unhappy. An inefficient kitchen can discourage you from making your own meals, prompting you to just eat out. Make sure you have plans for a better kitchen layout with beautiful countertops and modern appliances. Of course, some cupboards and stovetops should complete the look and functionality.
You should also tackle the bathrooms when starting a home remodeling frenzy. Small and cramped bathrooms aren’t conducive to comfort, which should be your primary aim when building a space for taking care of your business. If you want to maximize the available space, work with a professional bathroom remodeling company. These experts can help you find better solutions to open up a tiny bathroom space. They may extend the space or add thoughtful storage space with new sinks and tubs. They’ll ensure the bathroom experience is nothing less than spectacular.
Next, the living room. This entertainment space should always be welcoming, especially when you have guests over. Try to modernize the space while still maintaining that cozy feeling. For example, you can install new engineered hardwood flooring to give the space a rustic look and place sleek rugs and carpets in certain areas to add modernity. You can also invest in vintage furniture and accent them with futuristic lamps and TV screens. A good tip when renovating your living room is to create a focal point. This will tie every separate factor into a single, cohesive aesthetic vision.
Finally, make sure you also pay attention to the bedroom. Nearly new properties don’t usually have cozy bedrooms, so you must make the proper adjustments to fit your sleeping needs. A comfortable mattress, some night lights, and convenient closet space can give you a space to call your own. You can also play around with the wall colors, adding a paint color that lets you relax, like soft blues or pinks. With these changes, you can sleep better at night and not feel like you’re in a foreign space.
When looking at nearly new properties, always be vigilant and careful. You don’t want to buy a house that looks good on the surface only to discover expensive issues later. Always start with a good inspection to avoid these problems, and be thorough when checking various areas of the house. Of course, look around the outdoor environment, including the surrounding neighborhood, to ensure you only choose the right place to build your life. With some planning and wise decision-making, you can buy a nearly new house property that meets your needs and offers much comfort and security.
