Shopping for a house is stressful. You’re trying to find the best home, in the best area, for the best price. Making your budget match your wish list is overwhelming, but take heart. It’s not about finding the perfect house; it’s about finding a house you can make into a safe, comfortable home that isn’t going to cost you loads to repair and maintain.
Here are the features to look for that can save you costly headaches and give you the most value while you live there.Energy-efficient features
An energy-efficient home is not only better for the environment, it’s better for your budget. Certain energy-efficient features will save you a lot more in the long run than others.
Insulated ductwork
Ductwork often leaks out so much heating or air conditioning that it adds significantly to your utility bill. Experts say that by insulating the ducts, you can cut the cost of running the HVAC system by up to 30 percent.
Modern HVAC systems
Speaking of HVAC systems, if you purchase a home with a modern unit, it’s a value-added feature. Older HVAC units (20 years or older for heating units, 10 years or older for air conditioning units) are inefficient. Newer models, even if they’re not top-of-the-line, can give you a utility bill that’s 10 percent to 20 percent lower.
Efficient windows
Look for newer, double-paned windows or exterior storm windows installed over the original interior windows. Windows can be quite pricey to replace, so it’s best if you can find a house with efficient ones already installed. About 30 percent of your home’s air conditioning and heating can disappear out of your windows.
Purchasing a house with newer windows already installed can reduce your energy bill by 12 percent to 33 percent, according to the U.S. Energy Department.Window treatments
Window treatments won’t prevent air leakage, but they can reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. Look for exterior awnings, particularly on the south- and west-facing windows, where they can reduce solar heat gain by 65 percent to 77 percent, according to the Energy Department.
Interior, well-fitted blinds or drapes can also help with energy costs, reducing heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. However, it’s not very expensive to install these yourself, so don’t make this item a deal-breaker.
Design features
The way a house is designed and built can determine how well it ages and how costly any future repair work might be. Keep your eye on these features for the best long-term value.
Accessible plumbing
Look for plumbing that’s reachable through a crawl space, basement, and outdoor access points. The more work you have to do to access mainlines, the more costly any plumbing repairs will be in the future. Inaccessible plumbing can also mean that leaks or clogs are difficult to find, which can prolong plumbing problems and add to the total cost of repair.
Updated wiring
In houses that are more than 40 years old, wiring can be…
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