Questions to Ask a Home Renovator
Yay! You found a newly renovated home in your top neighborhood. It’s freshly painted, has new granite counters, and those dreamy white cabinets - YES! Everything you’ve been looking for and it’s in your budget. This is what so many buyers are hoping to find right now and I love when I’m able to show these types of homes to my buyers. Now, without being a Debbie Downer, if you’re interested in a renovated home there are a few questions you should ask the seller or the renovator. These questions will help you determine the quality of the work in that home.
Questions to Ask a Home Renovator:
Was the electrical updated in the home?
You want them to have updated the electrical in the entire home depending on the year it was built. Not every home will have needed updates but if they talk about updating one space they likely would have needed to update the entire home. What you want to be sure of is that any knob and tube wiring was replaced and the electrical box has also been properly updated.
Was the siding replaced on the home?
Replaced or previous siding repaired?
Have the sewer lines been checked?
Older sewer lines, like those made from clay, can be damaged by roots or have eroded over time. Most counties hold the homeowner responsible for any burst pipes between the home and the sidewalk or street. You want to make sure those have been checked along with any internal piping in the home.
Was the plumbing inside the home replaced?
This can make a big difference if new appliances have been added to the home that weren’t previously there. Older pipes aren’t as large and weren’t meant to accommodate some of the appliances we use today.
Is there asbestos in the home that has been removed?
You just want to be aware of any potential health hazards that have been in the home.
Has the insulation been replaced?
I by no means am an inspector or a professional renovator. There are probably many other questions you should ask but these at least will help you get started and get a feel for the renovations that were done. My best advice if you’re buying a reno? Get it inspected! Even if it’s just for information only you want to know that everything from the foundation to the electrical were renovated and renovated right.
Happy Hunting,
Jess
