When purchasing a new home it can be easy to fall in love at first sight, however this means we can often overlook the smaller details. The quality of a house can be determined in the smaller aspects and there are many things people need to look at when it comes to windows within a new home. Windows are the eyes to the home and need to reflect the personality and style that is within. It is important to have a checklist for things to review when buying a new house and here are some tips on what to look for when analysing the windows;
First and foremost one of the most important things to check is that the windows open and close properly. Windows that are high quality will slide open or shut with ease however those that are poor quality will stick and make scratchy, grinding noises. If it is a room that requires ventilation, difficulties opening the window can be a major issue.
The second thing to check for is whether the sills at the base of the window are soft or mushy. Sometimes, if these have a ‘rotten’ look it means there is a water penetration problem and it would be recommended to check the rest of the house for mould or leaks. If this is the case be sure to demand an inspection paid for by the seller of the house as this can be an expensive problem to fix.
The final items to check when analysing windows in a new home is for water stains. Even if the window sills are not soft or don't have a ‘rotten’ look does not mean there isn’t a leakage problem. Often, if there are stains around a window frame it means there is a water issue. One of the ways sellers sometimes cover this up is by repainting the whole house to cover up the stains- if this is the case, ask to see a wall that hasn’t been repainted or ask for an inspection.
It’s quite astonishing how something as simple as a window can give details about the quality and value of the rest of the house. They are a main indicator of the workmanship of the home while allowing you to discover if there will be ongoing issues with the house further down the track.
It is also important to have attractive, modern looking window frames because when you move into your house one of the first things you will want to do is cover them with beautiful blinds or curtains. While there are blinds on the market to suit every type of window it is more difficult to match your interior decor with your blinds if the window frame is old, tattered and mouldy.
