5 Appliances To Check Before Buying Your Home

By ARW - Ruth -

 


5 Appliances To Check Before Buying Your Home

 When searching for a new home, it can take time to find the home of your dreams because there are many factors to consider. When you finally do find the right home for you, there are a number of considerations to take into account before you make such a major purchase. For instance, one key area of a home to investigate before you buy is the type and condition of the appliances. 

Depending on the brand and maintenance, the life expectancy of appliances can vary. Knowing the age and condition of the home’s appliances is important because you do not want to buy a home to discover broken appliances that will require costly repair or replacement. Costs can quickly add up so to help avoid any unexpected surprises, the following 5 appliances should be checked before buying your next home. 

1. Washer and Dryer 

The washer and dryer are considered essential appliances. If the home you are interested in buying comes with a washer and dryer, it is important to do an inspection of these appliances. Find out the age of the units. Run both to see if they are operating properly. Look at the brand name, condition of the exterior of the units, as well as their interior. Check for rust and damage. Also, check to see if the hoses in the back of the washer are kinked and cracked. As well, look for any water leaks from the washer. 


When inspecting the dryer, check to see if there is an excessive build-up of lint and debris in the dryer’s lint screen. Check to see if the exhaust fan is working properly by examining the outside vent, if possible. Also, check to see if there is any damage in the back of the unit. The dryer can be a fire hazard if not maintained properly so do a thorough inspection.  

2. Garbage Disposal 

Often when buying a home, people will find that there is a garbage disposal included. Check to see if the unit is functioning properly and efficiently. Be sure to keep your hands away from the disposal when it is plugged in to avoid accidents. Run water through it before turning the device on. Check to see if there is particle and food build-up before turning it on. 

3. Oven and Range 

The oven is another essential appliance that can come with a home so it should be inspected before buying, whether it is a gas or electric unit. If you do not, and you discover it is broken or faulty, you could end up spending a lot to replace it. A faulty stove or oven is not only expensive to replace, but It could also be a hazard. When looking at a gas range, check to see if all the burners heat correctly, and all the devices like the timer and clock work properly. Check to make sure the broiler and oven are heating properly, and reach the specified temperatures. Issues to look out for with a range include: elements or burners that won’t turn on or off, electrical problems, uneven oven temperature, and problems with the ignitor. 

If you discover a problem that is not a major defect, you should not have a problem getting it fixed. In addition, check the cleanliness of the range and oven. Hardened food and grease can reduce efficiency and it can sometimes take a while to thoroughly clean. Make sure the home inspector you hire confirms that the hood vent, or above range microwave vent is operating efficiently. 

4. Dishwasher 

The dishwasher is an expensive appliance to replace. Depending on brand and maintenance, dishwasher life expectancy can vary anywhere from 9 to 12 years. Issues with dishwashers can include: residue build-up, draining problems, not properly cleaned, and a foul odor. The result can be reduced cleaning efficiency and a risk of breakdown. You can check a dishwasher by doing a test cycle. Open the door to see if it opens easily and closes tight. You should make sure there is not an issue with the door’s spring. As well, look for any signs of rust or corrosion. 

Running a dishwasher test cycle will allow you to look for water leaks on the floor and under the sink. Do a wash cycle that includes heating so you can find out if the heating element is working. There should be steam released when the door is opened after the cycle has finished. After the end of the cycle, the door is open so check to see that the unit does not have water remaining as it can be an indication of a malfunctioning pump. 

5. Refrigerator and Freezer 

Depending on the brand and how well the appliance has been maintained, the average life expectancy of a refrigerator is about 14 years.  Replacing a refrigerator can be very costly. Also, it is where we keep our food that requires cold to avoid spoilage. These units are also a hassle to move in and out of the kitchen. When inspecting these units, make sure there is the appropriate coolness and that cooling happens without any problems. Check for rust inside and outside, as well as making sure the door seals are not worn or damaged and the door closes with a tight seal. Common problems with refrigerators can include: water dispenser problems, frost and ice build up, water leaks, and temperature not being maintained. 

When hiring a home inspector, make sure the inspector checks essential appliances. Inspectors can look at major kitchen appliances, but they also should be checking the laundry room’s electrical and plumbing connections. It's impossible to accurately determine how long an appliance will last, but it is helpful if you do a good inspection to identify any issues. As well,  getting an extended appliance warranty plan is added protection in the event an appliance breaks down due to normal wear and tear or age. With an extended appliance warranty plan, you can save a lot of money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs and replacements. A home warranty plan, like the extended appliance warranty plan, gives new homeowners added peace of mind.

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