Buying a new house is a big investment, so you want to make sure you’re making the right decision. Not only is it a lot of money, but you could also be living there for a long time to come. It’s good to be as informed as possible about the property before making an offer, so there are certain questions that are useful to ask when viewing a house.
In this article, we’ll suggest some important questions to ask about a house’s plumbing when you’re considering buying it, and some other things to look out for.
What kind of water heater does the home use?
Installing a new water heater or boiler can be a big cost, so it’s important that you know what to expect when it comes to this. Ask what kind of water heater the house uses, what kind of fuel it uses, how old the appliance is, and when it was last serviced. Don’t forget to take a look at it while looking around.
A new boiler should suggest that you won’t have to invest any money in it for at least a few years, other than routine check-ups and maintenance. If they have a tankless water heater installed, then this could be a big plus.
What kind of pipes does the house have?
Ask the person showing you around or take a look at the pipes yourself to see what material they are made out of, how old they are, and whether they are in good condition or not. If you’re moving into an old house and the pipes need replacing, then this could be a big cost that you’ll need to factor in.
How much do the utilities cost?
It’s good to know how much you can expect to be paying each month for bills as well as your regular mortgage payments. If you can, find out how much the water bill typically is and whether it is charged at a fixed rate or measured on a meter based on how much water you use.
What’s the water pressure like?
Weak water pressure isn’t the end of the world, but it can make your home slightly less comfortable and might be something you’d have to spend money to adjust after you move in. You should be able to check the taps and maybe even the shower while looking around a house to see how the water pressure holds up against your standards.
Are there any stains on the ceilings?
Look carefully at the ceilings when viewing a house. Brown stains on the ceiling are likely to indicate that a leak has happened at some point. If you notice any stains, then ask the realtor if they know what the cause was and if it has been resolved. If the leak is current, then this could be something you have to spend money on to repair.
If you’re moving house and require plumbing repairs, maintenance, or installation when you move in, then contact us for all your plumbing needs around Lewisville, Clemmons, and Winston Salem, NC.