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Few decisions in life are as important as purchasing a family home. After a very trying period, the economic climate is recovering and many parents are jumping into homeownership. Still, the housing market remains rather tricky and the list of desirable features is long and varied. You may be prepared to buy a home come hell or high water, but you do not want to bite off more than you can chew or end up with buyer’s remorse.
Cover all the bases
A thorough home inspection is an absolute must. Note that this process differs from the appraisal: it brings potential issues to light, and it is up to you to decide whether they are deal-breaking factors or something that comes out in the wash. In any regard, you do not want the problems that were swept under the carpet to come back and haunt you in the future.
Inspection involves a qualified professional, who examines home construction, roofing, insulation, crucial systems like plumbing, and other structural areas. You can also seek geotechnical engineering services to determine the stability and structural integrity of the house. This minimizes short and long-term risks such as slope stability and rockfall risk.
Safe and sound
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Set the emotions aside, and let rational thinking take over the decision-making process. You do not really need all those striking design features if they come at a cost of practicality. Get back to the basics first, and muse on family safety. This is nothing short of a top priority, and there is a wide range of dangers that plague our living environments, from fires and storms to slips and falls.
In fact, unintentional injury is one of the top causes of death, so consider the possibility of childproofing the home. You may want to employ high-quality safety products like gates, locks, anti-scalding devices, and safety latches. It is also advisable to put household products, chemicals, electrical devices, and medicine in appropriate storage compartments, another key item on the checklist.
Game plan
The new home must fit the family’s lifestyle perfectly. The trick is to think ahead and figure out if the present layout matches future needs of growing kids. This is to say that the floor plan is the key factor, one which should provide ample personal and living space for everyone. For example, those who want to be on the same floor with the children should steer away from main-floor masters.
On the other hand, open floor plan gives you a chance to have better oversight of what your toddler is doing. Things get even better if an indoor play area and spacious kitchen are included in the layout. Just keep your eyes open for features such as steep stairs, as they impede the freedom of movement and everyday duties.
All-out
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The outside realm can be just as important as the interior. First of all, it is a good idea to get to know the neighbors and gauge the surrounding area. This should give you a taste of potential communal problems, street safety, present cultural amenities, parking space, and traffic. It is preferable to have a school in the vicinity as well.
Do not overlook the school commute either, and see whether the buses can transport your kids safely. What is more, remember that children adore playing outside, which is why a yard comes in handy. Bear in mind that you need to ensure that this area is safe and invest time and money in maintaining it.
A perfect family nest
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There is more to buying a family home than you may realize. This is likely the biggest purchase of your life, and room for mistakes should be minimal. There are many elements to factor in, and they all affect the quality of life for you and your family. Beyond everything else, children and parents must live in an environment that allows the whole family to grow together. Keep a watchful eye on the clouds on the horizon and secure a proper family nest without straining your finances or having to cope with headaches for years to come.
