There aren’t a whole lot of events in life that are as important, stressful and exciting – all at the same time – as buying a house.
It’s a lot to think about and the decisions to be made can seem endless.
Somewhere in the midst of the hustle and bustle, it’s imperative that you spend an adequate amount of time thinking about safety.
Spotting obvious problems like a leaking roof while touring at a home is easy, but some issues aren’t as obvious.
Where should you start? Download our free Buyer’s Guide today!
Let’s take a look at possible safety red flags to watch out for when you’re house-shopping.
The neighborhood
Evaluate a neighborhood as to whether it’s up-and-coming or if it has seen better days.
It’s also a good idea to visit the community at different times a day to get a true picture of what it’s like, as well as the traffic volume during the times you’ll be making your daily commute.
If you have small children, keep an eye out for nearby pools without fencing or dogs that seem as if they could be menacing.
Getting a local crime report from the area’s police department is always a wise choice before making a final decision on a house.
The garage door
The connection between the state of a home’s garage door and the safety of your family is often overlooked.
Did you know that a garage door that’s in disrepair can make it easier for someone to break into your house?
Make sure the frames, lock, and hinges are all in good working order to prevent the possibility.
If the home is a must-have and the garage door is the only major issue, consider replacing the door before you move in. Keep in mind that a door with a solid core is the safest option.
Contact a reputable garage door company to help you find one that is safe, secure and adds to the look of your new residence.
Electrical wiring
The boom in technology has increased the use of electricity in homes, creating a greater burden on a home’s electrical circuitry.
If the wiring doesn’t seem to be up to snuff, it may be a good idea to keep looking. Not only can it be quite costly to fix, but wiring that is overloaded can be a fire hazard.
Radon, mold, and asbestos
The air quality of your home is of the utmost importance.
You should be sure that there haven’t been any issues with radon, mold or asbestos in any potential house you’re considering.
There are serious short-term and long-term health effects as a result of high levels of mold or radon, or the presence of asbestos. Fixing these problems could be expensive and continuing your search is a better option.
Windows and doors
Windows should always have a lock and be in good working order. This is especially important for two-story houses when you have children.
A window that doesn’t lock or is faulty in some other way can also make your home vulnerable to break-ins.
Of course, the same issues exist with doors. Every entrance into your home should be able to be secured. If the doors don’t already have quality deadbolts, it would be a good idea to install them if you decide to buy!
As you search for the residence that is just right for you and your family, keep these safety concerns high on your list.
When you’re buying a new home, be sure you take the necessary steps to ensure it’s safe. Issues like mold or shaky electrical wiring may be deal-breakers, while other problems like windows that don’t lock or a garage door that needs to be replaced can be dealt with if the home is one that you deem otherwise perfect for you.
What is your biggest safety concern when looking for a new home?