Buying your new home
Buying your new home? Inspect these eight important details first.
Buying a new home can be a significant investment in time, energy, and money. It can also be a source of considerable stress. However, there are some simple steps you can take to help the purchase go more smoothly and give you peace of mind in your new home for years to come.
Home inspection
An inspection by a well-qualified home inspector is a wise investment and will help you make informed decisions when purchasing your new home. The level of detail the inspection entails will vary between home inspectors. Make sure you understand what the inspection includes. In addition to the home itself, other structures like swimming pools and sport courts should be examined as well. Keep in mind that due to the complexity of high-value homes, additional inspections by licensed tradesmen and professionals may be warranted.
Mechanical systems
Regardless of age, it is important to have all the home systems inspected, including but not limited to the HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. Depending on the age of the home, components may be near the end of their useful life and require repairs or replacement. Due to the unique nature of high-value homes and the complexity of the mechanical systems, an additional inspection by a licensed tradesman in addition to a home inspector is a wise decision.
Roofing systems
Roof inspections are a very important part of purchasing your new home. A roof inspection should be completed regardless of age and include more than just looking at the condition of the roof covering. Hiring a licensed professional roofer is your best option and they should inspect the following areas: roof cover, fascia, soffit, flashing and gutters. They should also examine the attic space for evidence of leakage, high moisture levels, and mold. A thorough roof inspection may also include looking at the interior finishes for signs of water or frost penetration and evidence of structural deficiencies. The roof is another area that you may wish to have examined by a licensed professional tradesman, in addition to the home inspector.
Energy audits
With the constant rising cost of natural gas and electricity, an energy audit is a great way to determine how much energy the home uses and it can help you identify steps that can be taken to make your new home more energy efficient. A comprehensive energy audit may offer blower door testing, duct testing, infrared scanning, examining the insulation or even recommendations for lighting.
C.L.U.E. report
Most insurance carriers report their claims history to a database called the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange or C.L.U.E.® . As a buyer, a C.L.U.E. report can help you determine if any claims were made on the seller’s insurance policy in the past 5 years. It will identify the type of loss such as hail or theft, the amount paid, and even identify if a claim was denied. Contact your insurance agent to discuss the availability of this report.
Alarm systems
Another important aspect of buying your new home is the presence of alarm systems for both fire and burglary. In effort to provide the most comprehensive protection for your family and home, a centrally monitored fire and burglar alarm system from a reputable company is highly recommended. The alarm systems should provide whole house coverage and include door and window contacts, motion detectors, glass breakage sensors, smoke detectors, and heat detectors. Other components might include low temperature monitoring, cameras, carbon monoxide detection, or signal continuity. With a centrally monitored alarm system, you may qualify for a credit on your homeowners insurance policy.
Water leak detection
This alarm system component is so important we felt it should be discussed separately. According to industry studies, water causes more damage to American homes then fire, thunderstorms, and theft. There are many ways to install a water leak detection system within your home and some systems even have the ability to shut off the water main in the event a leak is detected. If the water leak detection is tied into your centrally monitored alarm system, you may qualify for a credit on your homeowners’ insurance policy.
Fire protection
An important, but often widely overlooked factor of choosing a new home is the capability of the fire department within your community. While you are researching your options and looking at homes, be sure to give consideration to the following fire protection items: distance to the nearest public fire hydrant, distance to the responding fire department, and department type (staffed or volunteer). These factors will not only help determine the level of protection for your family and home, but also may affect the cost of your homeowners insurance.
Additional Resources
Go to nationwide.com/privateclient to find all of our Risk Solutions Series articles for tips to help prevent water losses, protect your valuable collections, prepare for natural disasters, keep your family safe, and more.
We offer this information to assist you in making decisions that can help mitigate your risk. While we cannot address every possible scenario or guarantee these tips will work for you, our goal is to support your efforts to protect yourself and your family. For more information, please visit nationwide.com/privateclient or contact your Nationwide Private Client agent.