Buying a New Home

Table of Contents Page 1- Introduction Page 2- Energy Efficiency Page 3- Space Page 4- Maintenance

Introduction Purchasing a new home can be overwhelming. Many times, people aren’t sure what they should be looking for in a home. This guide is designed to assist people considering buying a home. It is filled with tips of things that many people forget when viewing their potential home. With these things in mind, picking the right home has never been easier.

Energy Efficiency Purchase a home with an Energy Star® qualified furnace that has a variable speed motor. It can reduce natural gas bills up to $599 a year! Check for a programmable thermostat, which allows you to lower the heat when you don’t need it. This can save up to $80 a year! Insure that proper weather stripping is in place around all windows, garage doors, exterior doors, and even attic doors. Look for energy efficient windows, which protect from ultraviolet rays while allowing light to enter the home. They also help minimize heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.

Space Make sure the home is large enough for the number of people permanently residing in it. The average home in America has 721 square feet per person. Purchase a home with many closets, which are perfect for storing all types of everyday items. Look for a house with a laundry room to prevent the washer and dryer from being in the way. Check for adequate kitchen storage, in cabinets and pantry.

Maintenance Ensure that pipes are properly insulated, to prevent freezing during the winter Look in the attic to see if it is properly ventilated Check around the home for water leaks in the roof, pipes, faucets etc. Purchase a home that has a low maintenance landscape, to prevent endless hours of yard upkeep and excess watering

Websites Referenced http://www.saskenergy.com/saving_energy/tips.asphttp://www.heritage.org/Research/Welfare/bg1713.cfm Storage http://homedecor.iloveindia.com/small-space-living/maximizing-storage-tips.html http://www.statefarm.com/learning/be_safe/home/seasonal/winter.asp http://www.travelers.com/tcom/tips/docs/PLtips_maintenance.pdf