The process of buying a house is both thrilling and nerve-racking. Finding that special place to call home is a dream come true. To ensure your home purchase doesn’t turn into a nightmare, check crucial home components — everything from the HVAC system to the roof, windows, plumbing, and electrical systems.

    The simple tips outlined below help first-time homebuyers move forward with confidence and peace of mind.



    Check the HVAC Age

    If an HVAC’s serial number looks confusing, don’t worry. Many websites can help decode the manufacture date.

    When you’re a homebuyer, a big concern is an old, inefficient HVAC system. The average life expectancy for an HVAC system is 15 to 25 years. As you consider information about a home before making an offer on it, determine the HVAC’s. You can do this by looking at the manufacturing date plates on the outdoor AC condenser and the indoor furnace or air handler. Newer units display the year of manufacture, while older units encode it in the serial number. If you have difficulty decoding a serial number, there are websites available to help. 

    Replacement for a heating system typically costs $7,000 to $20,000, depending on size, efficiency, and brand.


    Inspect the Roof

    Instruct your real estate agent to negotiate a timeframe for inspections when you make your home offer.

    Once your offer is accepted, hire a professional roofing contractor to look for any missing, curling, or deteriorated shingles. Faded or whitish asphalt shingles usually signal an older roof nearing the need for replacement. Properly installed asphalt shingles typically last 15–25 years

    Curling, deteroriating and missing shingles are red flags that could indicate the need for a new roof.

    Signs of wear indicate you could face a roof replacement soon, which is a major expense. Replacing an entire roof with asphalt shingles ranges in cost from $5,000 to $16,000, depending on materials, size, labor, and the state the home is located in. 


    Check the Windows

    Cracked paint is one thing, but a single-pane window won’t stand up to winter weather.

    As you tour homes you’re considering purchasing, pay attention to the windows. Notice if the windows are single or double pane and if there are broken seals indicating lower energy efficiency. Windows with a thin single layer of glass are likely old single-pane models. Living in a home with older windows impacts your comfort and the efficiency of your home. While older windows can still function, they are draftier and lead to higher energy bills. Install storm windows with Low-E coatings as an affordable alternative to expensive replacement. 


    Identify the Plumbing

    Plumbing issues, to which older homes are especially vulnerable, are costly. If possible, confirm what material the plumbing system is made from before you purchase your home.  Avoid homes with defective polybutylene pipes installed from 1978 to 1995. Polybutylene pipes are made from a gray plastic that is prone to leaks and lawsuits.

    Regardless of how perfect the home appears, you may want to avoid it if it has polybutylene pipes.
    Today’s Homeowner Tips

    Also, steer clear of cast iron drain lines in homes over 50 years old. Cast iron drains deteriorate internally over decades of use. Replacing drain and supply plumbing costs tens of thousands of dollars


    Verify the Electrical Panel

    Not all electrical panels do their job — and that makes them worthless, and hazardous.

    Inspect the electrical panel — brands matter more than you think.  Malfunctioning breakers in brands like Federal Pacific can create fire hazards. It’s not just about replacement, which costs up to $2,000 — it’s also about your safety in your future home. Hire a professional inspector for a thorough evaluation of the electrical systems to give you information to use in your negotiations.


    Are You Ready to Make an Offer?

    With more than two decades of experience assisting homebuyers, I recommend thorough investigation regarding key home features like the roof, windows, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. Home buying involves compromise but not in aspects of safety. Learn all you can before making an offer and negotiate armed with knowledge. Drop from your consideration homes that are unsafe or will require costly updates to mechanical systems. You want to select a home you can relax in for many years to come without worrying about unexpected expenses. Negotiate an offer that accurately reflects the home’s true condition.

    Professional inspections are crucial, but do your own checks as an informed buyer beforehand. Patience and diligence pay off when navigating home buying. 


    FAQs About Checking Out a House

    Should I hire an inspector before making an offer?

    No, wait until your offer is accepted. Initial checks you make yourself will allow you to make an informed offer.


    Can I back out if the inspection uncovers issues?

    You should negotiate an inspection contingency allowing you to negotiate repairs or walk away.


    How can I estimate the HVAC's age?

    Search the brand and serial number online. Many sites help decode the manufacture date from it.


    How can I estimate future repair costs?

    Repair and replacement costs vary by region for the roof, HVAC, appliances, windows, and other home systems based on their age and condition. You should seek out quotes from licensed contractors.


    How can I research a home's history?

    Search property records for a full title report detailing all previous owners, liens, and other factors.



    Further Information

    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Laurie Engle

    Laurie Engle

    Expert Writer & Reviewer

    Laurie Engle is a freelance writer who provides insights to homeowners on topics such as the home warranty industry, relocation issues, and real estate trends. As a licensed Realtor since 2001 Laurie has acquired extensive expertise in dealing with home warranty companies and navigating the intricacies of the real estate market. In addition to her commitment to helping clients with their home buying and selling needs, she maintains a sharp awareness of market dynamics, including property values, interest rates, and local regulations.

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    photo of Lee Ann Merrill

    Lee Ann Merrill

    Chicago-based Lee Ann Merrill has decades of experience writing and editing across a wide range of technical and scientific subjects. Her love of DIY, gardening, and making led her to the realm of creating and honing quality content for homeowners. When she's not working on her craft, you can find her exploring her city by bike and plotting international adventures.

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