When it comes to buying a new house, it is quite easy to allow your heart to rule your head. But there is much more to be considered beyond the colors of the walls. Although a dream home is on every person’s wish list, buying a new home can be quite daunting. More so when we consider the myriad options available and the multiple features that are marketed to customers. It is a big investment that requires meticulous research and thought about one’s needs and wants.

However, with the right amount of research in the right direction, the task can be made much simpler. We have assembled a few pointers for you to take into consideration when you and your family prepare the process of buying your new home.

  1. Space for you and your family — Figuring out how much space you’ll truly need is crucial; buy a house too small and you will find yourself constantly trying to make the limited space work for your needs; buy a house too large and it will not only wrack up huge costs but may also create a sense of emptiness. Consider the space in your current home. Do you have enough storage, enough bedrooms? Check whether they are spacious or too cramped, and whether you will be hosting family members or friends in your house.

Along with a big house, proper ventilation is also necessary for your family’s comfort. Make sure there are windows in appropriate places so that you’re always breathing fresh air, and a balcony that offers a view of the sky above instead of other concrete buildings and allows the sun to warm up your house for welcoming mornings. An extra wide stretcher lift for emergencies and material handling is an added bonus. Check whether the parking area is accessible easily and that there is sufficient parking space for your car. One should consider a project having a minimum of 1.5 parking spaces per apartment with dedicated spaces for visitors.

  1. Facilities/Amenities — One might take for granted that basic amenities will be provided by every builder. But one must make sure that these facilities are checked in person. Consider the basic amenities that every building should have and then if there are any luxury features provided. Certain facilities may also incur maintenance charges, which must be clarified. Enquire if there are frequent power-cuts in the area and about electricity backup, especially in common areas such stairwells and hallways.

Following are a few amenities that one should take into account when choosing a house:

  • Facilities for leisure activities for all age groups such as a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, amphitheater, children’s play area, toddler pool, sand pit, and senior citizen friendly features
  • Jogging track, butterfly garden, activity center and steam room
  • Environmentally conscious features such as centralized solar heating system, mechanical garbage disposal system, sewage treatment plant, and aquifer recharge of ground water
  • There’s also a two-level clubhouse with gym and multi-sport games court to keep you active.
  1. Construction Quality — You want to make sure that there are no structural issues, no matter how minor, in the home you are going to buy. Any such issues can end up costing you a lot more in the future when you have to fix it. There are a few basic things you should check.
  • Super-Structure: It is always difficult to know the quality of super-structure, especially when the building is plastered. It is better to opt for a reputed builder in order to ensure that the super-structure is designed by a reputed structural engineer.
  • Building Quality: No one wants paper-thin walls in their home. Check that the walls, floors, and ceilings are thick and insulated enough to keep out any potential noise from your neighbors. Make sure that the windows and doors close well enough to keep out the wind and weather.
  • Electrical, Plumbing, and Mold: Basic and reliable electrical and plumbing systems are the lifeblood of a home. Ensure that they function well, ask questions about all such features as they can be quite the nuisance to fix later. Also make sure to check for any signs of water damage or mold as they are a sign of bigger structural issues.
  • Safety: The most important aspect to check is the materials used for construction and whether they can stand the test of natural elements such as an earthquake. There should be no compromise here.
  1. Builder’s Reputation — Before you make any decision, do a little homework on the builder’s reputation. Consider visiting their previous projects to better understand whom you’re dealing with. If possible, talk to previous buyers to know whether the builder provides flats on the promised date. Visiting their older buildings will also help you gauge the quality of their construction.

Gather as much information as you can so that you can ask more informed questions. Be prepared with any questions you may have to ask the builder. The more you communicate with the builder, the easier your home-buying process.

  1. Location — Location is a key factor in finalizing the purchase of your house. You’re going to be commuting to work from wherever you decide to live, so the distance to your place of work is one of the important aspects to consider. This commute will either end up costing you both money and time, or it will be the best investment you make.

Apart from traveling, a few other factors to consider include the locality and connectivity. Check whether the area is well connected to essential places like the market, hospital, school, etc. It is better if the building is a bit removed from the main city so that you are not bombarded by city noise and traffic. Location may not be a deal breaker, but it should certainly be an important part of your decision.

  1. Security — You want to make sure that your home is secure so that you and your family can peacefully sleep at night. Taking a look around the neighborhood is a given, of course. But even if the neighborhood is relatively safe, make sure that you check whether the house comes with a security system.

You can also consider checking the overall security of the building complex. Is it a gated community? Is there a working CCTV? What about security guards and what are their patrol routines? All these questions should be looked into.

  1. Show Flat/Apartment — Show flat, also known as model apartment or flat, allows you to get a better idea as to how the finished apartment will look. Such flats are designed in such a way that they showcase the space in that house in the best way possible. Even though it may not be the way you may intend to use it, the staging helps you to picture the potential of that flat such as where the closet will go or what size bed the room can accommodate. Giving you an idea of whether you will like the flat helps make the decision of buying easy.

Finally, making such a significant decision boils down to price. It is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make and should therefore be carefully considered. It is absolutely essential that you determine what you can afford and compare it with what you’re getting. Understand that an economical buy may not be the best. Do your market research about the prices in that area and whether you are getting value for your money. And if you like a property but it is a little out of your budget, try to talk to the builder and you might just be able to work something out. All said and done, let the process of buying a new home not be nerve-wracking. Check with your family and friends and be an informed home buyer.

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