When it comes to house hunting, preparation is key. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced one, the right tools can make all the difference. From capturing details to measuring spaces, here’s the gear you need to ensure a smooth and successful search for your new home.
Tape Measure
While you can use an app on your phone to measure a space, it will be less accurate than using a traditional metal tape measure. You can buy one at any hardware or big box store. Before you go house hunting, make sure to measure your furniture so you’ll know whether it will be right for the homes you are touring. For your potential new home, here are some considerations.
- How wide are the door openings? Will your furniture fit through?
- Measure the rooms where you will be bringing furniture. Do you have sufficient space to arrange them the way you’d like?
- Measure the appliance spaces if you are bringing your own washer-dryer, refrigerator, etc. to ensure they will fit.
Camera/Phone and Notepad
You don’t want to rely on photos from the listing. Those are staged. Speak to your agent and ask if you can take photos. You also don’t want to rely on your memory. Use your phone or a notepad to take notes. You also can make quick sketches.
- Jot down things you like and don’t like about each home.
- Sketch out floorplans. Mark locations of windows and doors for future reference.
- Take photos of the house and rooms from different angles.
- Pro tip: Bring along printouts of online listings so you won’t have to write everything down.
A Level
Homes are never completely level. They settle over time. However, you shouldn’t find sloping floors, warped walls or cabinets that do not appear straight. You can buy a pocket level, a measuring tool that shows whether a surface is perfectly parallel.
- These tools typically have a bubble of air suspended in a vial of liquid. When a surface is level, the bubble will be within the guidelines. There are digital and laser levels, too, which are more expensive.
- Place your pocket level along the floor, on counters, or anywhere else that should be a horizontal surface.
- Look for the space between the doors and the floor as they swing out. Is the gap wider at any point?
- Floors that are not level could signal larger structural problems. Do your due diligence if you are buying a home in that condition.
Moisture Meter
Moisture problems aren’t always obvious and can be hidden. Bring along a moisture meter and you can measure the amount within the home. You can buy these meters at a hardware or big box home store. Choose one without pins so that you won’t put holes into a home you might not be buying.
- Moisture meters usually go from 1 (dry) to 100 (wet). Anything at 17 or above is a cause for concern. It could indicate water damage and leaks.
- The moisture meter must contact the surface to provide an accurate reading. There should be no visible moisture on the surface being tested.
- Place your meter flat against a surface such as wood or drywall. Try it in different places as you may find varying moisture levels.
- Pro Tip: Go house hunting after it rains. You’ll see where water collects around the house and in the gutters, and you may observe moisture or leaks inside.
Outlet Tester
This handy tool checks that each contact in the outlet is connected to the correct wire. It can identify several common wiring errors. You can buy a standard receptacle tester that plugs into an outlet or a non-contact voltage tester. Always be careful when performing tests on a live outlet.
- Plug your tester into an outlet. Repeat for several outlets throughout the home.
- A series of lights on your outlet tester will light up. Read the key code to determine what the lights mean. In some cases, an alarm will sound.
- If you do get a concerning reading, that means there are likely issues with the wiring in the house.
- You can use that additional anticipated expense to bring the price down, or you may choose to walk away from the potential problem.
Water Pressure Gauge
With low water pressure, showers and laundry will be longer and more frustrating. Low pressure also could signify a problem with the plumbing. Bring along a water pressure gauge to check out whether this is an issue in your potential purchase.
- If the water comes from a municipal utility, you can use an outdoor hose spigot near where water enters the house. If water is from a well, use a faucet close to the tank.
- For the most accurate reading, make sure water isn’t being used elsewhere in the house, such as with laundry or dishwashers.
- Do not test from a hose. Make sure your pressure gauge screws directly onto the spigot or faucet and that the seal is tight.
- Turn the water on all the way and read the gauge. A normal reading is from 40-80. Anything outside that range is cause for concern.
Flashlight
Even well-lit homes have dark corners and areas that aren’t easily seen. If you’re considering a purchase, you want to see everything—the good and the bad. Bring a pocket-sized flashlight or use the light on your phone to peek into dark areas.
- Look under appliances, in corners, dark basements, etc.
- Look for spiders, mold and any potential problem areas.
- A mirror can help you peek around corners.
- Pro Tip: Bring a UV flashlight and shine it on carpets to reveal places where pets have made messes.
Looking for a new home is an exciting time. Should you have questions about protecting your new investment, don’t hesitate to reach out to an agent for the right policy.
Happy house hunting!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
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