Adding on to last week’s post “Buying a home? Ensure you know what you’re getting into,” here are some things to find out before you take possession of a home.
Water Heater:
• Is the water heater rented or owned by the current home owner? If rented, how difficult will it be to switch over the rental payments? Can you buy out or remove the unit with out extra fees?
• What size is the water heater? Will it be sufficient for your family’s needs?
Infloor Heating:
• What parts of the house are served by infloor heating?
• What equipment services the infloor heating – water heater, boiler, geothermal?
Water Treatment:
• Is there existing water treatment?
• What is the age of the equipment?
• Is it sufficient for your family’s needs? If the house currently has 2 people and you’re a family of 5, some settings might need adjusted.
• How often is the softener set to regenerate?
• Is there a reverse osmosis, ultra-violet system, sediment or carbon filter? When were these changed last? How often do they need changed? What filters, bulbs, sleeves or cartridges are required?
• If there is an iron filter, is it chemical free?
Plumbing:
• Taste the water to see if there is a metallic taste to it.
• Are there any hard water lines?
• Is it on a municipal or well water system?
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• If on a well, is there a jet or submersible pump?
• If on a well, is there only one well or is there a secondary back up option?
• If on a well, where is the well located?
• Is there anything special or confusing about the water set up?
Furnace:
• What kind of thermostat operates it? Is there a “Smart Thermostat” connected?
• What indoor air quality products are connected to the unit?
• What filters or pads are needed for the furnace, humidifier, air cleaner, air exchanger, etc?
• How often do these filters need changed? When were they last changed?
• If a geothermal unit, see if the homeowner knows what is in the loop? This information is helpful for service companies if any major repairs or a replacement is required.
Warranty:
• What is the warranty on the equipment? Is it transferable to a new owner?
Fuel Service:
• What fuel is required to run the existing equipment in the home – propane, oil, electric, natural gas?
• Who are the current fuel providers?
• How easy is it to switch accounts to your name?
**Always make sure you ensure the seller has paid up their accounts before things get switched into your name.