It doesn’t matter if you’re buying your first home or your third; purchasing a new place is a huge deal. It’s an exciting but tiresome journey that could possibly cause continuous headaches if you’re not careful. This is especially true when you’re house hunting in New York City.

You may overlook common issues in favor of the look of a potential place or the low rent. While these may be some of the most important elements to you, you should at least weigh the issues against the benefits. The following are a few of the home issues you should look out for when looking for a place in NYC.

Neighbors

You may love everything about the house or apartment. There might be nothing wrong with the condition of your potential new place. However, your neighbors can be a huge factor in whether or not you’ll enjoy your new home. Ask your realtor what the neighborhood is like.

Keep in mind though that your realtor may try to make the area look more attractive. Do your own investigating by looking at the conditions of your neighbor’s home or apartment door. Unkempt lawns, garbage, and poorly maintained exterior or vehicles.

Windows

Homeowners often overlook issues that deal with windows. You may not consider how old the windows are or how they operate during your first walk through. Older windows are more prone to drafts. This problem is obviously unfavorable during New York winters. Plus, it’s an issue that will significantly increase your use of energy.

While changing things like broken window locks isn’t going to cost much, installing new windows to replace aging ones can come with a hefty price tag.

Gradient

While New York City is no San Francisco when it comes to hills, the slope of the land is something you want to consider when buying a home or apartment in New York. You could end up with foundation issues or a flooded basement if the gradient of the land slopes toward the house instead of away.

Upgrades

The cost of living in NYC is high as it is. If you’re looking to purchase a place that needs upgrades, you’re going to have to invest a lot of money. If you’re dead set on a place that’s exactly what you’re looking for alldryus.com restoration services can help with your remodeling project. Companies like All Dry USA help you deal with common renovation issues seen in the area such as water and fire damage.

If you’re not looking for a home to renovate then be on the lookout for items or areas that may need repair. When you do find an area that needs an upgrade, determine whether the home is worth the cost of repairs.

Cracks in Walls and Foundations

When house hunting, you should be aware of any cracks you find in the wall. While some cracks are just the result of the natural settling of the building, others can be the indicator of some major structural problem.

Pay attention to the ceilings, area around the windows, the walls, the foundation, and the doors. If you’re worried about a crack then ask your realtor. If you decide to purchase the home, have a home inspector do a more thorough investigation.

Pests

A few pests come to mind when people think of NYC: termites, rodents, and bed bugs. While you don’t need to get on your hands and knees to inspect the space, you should look for signs of pests. Take a glance at the corners of cabinets, closets, and basements for evidence of any unwanted guests. Any sign of gnawing, staining, or droppings could alert you to invaders. Odor can also be an indicator of pests.

The Bottom Line

No house is perfect. Even the house of your dreams will come with it small issues. One of the joys of owning a home is working hard to fix these issues and being satisfied with the results. However, these issues shouldn’t absolutely overwhelm you. When trying to find the home you want, make sure you’re constantly aware of all of the problems present.

Digiprove sealCopyright protected by Digiprove © 2018