In the next three articles we will try to outline items a new home buyer should look for once they decided to purchase their dream house.  In this part we will focus on your home’s systems.

Heating

• Check the furnace and hot water heater.
• Ask about the capacity, shut-off mechanisms and the type of filtering systems installed.
• Review the operation of your heating system.
• Locate the furnace filters and ask about their care and maintenance.
• Ensure that heat registers are not located below a thermostat.
• Check the location and number of cold air returns and make sure they are unobstructed.
• Learn the location of any fuel lines (gas, propane or oil) and understand how to operate any shut-off devices on these lines.

Mechanical Ventilation

• Locate the switches for ventilation and circulation fans (normally placed near the thermostat).
• Locate supplemental fans and switches in each bathroom and in the kitchen and ensure they are operating. Make sure you understand how to achieve proper ventilation in order to avoid condensation problems which may not be covered under the warranty.

Electrical System

• Locate the main electrical panel and review the function of each circuit breaker and fuse.
• Your new home must be equipped with ground fault and arc fault circuit interrupters (GFCI and AFCI). GFCIs protect bathroom and exterior receptacle circuits, while AFCIs protect bedroom receptacle circuits. Ask your builder how to test these devices.

Plumbing System

• Locate the shut-off valves for the main water supply and the location of other shut-off valves throughout your home. It is your responsibility to shut off the water supply to all exterior hose bibs to protect them from freezing in winter weather.
• If your home has a septic system, ask your builder to provide you with information on its use and maintenance.