Whenever you start looking at houses for sale, there are factors you must keep in mind before you make the conscious decision of purchasing a particular property. After all, there are certain homeowner demands that affect the cost of living in a particular home. You may not know it, but how a home is built can dictate your utility costs over the long run should you decide to move into it.
To help determine long-range costs, create a simple checklist of things to consider in a home that readily affect your house bills and other home expenses.
House Orientation on the Lot
Believe it or not, the way a home is positioned on a lot greatly affects how cheap or costly your future cooling and heating bills will become. Generally, when the home is facing south, there is more natural light coming in. This can allow you to stay warm without cranking up your heater too much during colder months.
On the other hand, a home that is facing north is better if you are moving to a location with warmer weather. This will help keep the house cool inside without needing to overuse your air conditioning unit.
Window Placement and Size
Well placed windows of the right size help bring more natural light into the home. This helps minimize your utility cost in the long run—not to mention that it also makes the house feel cozier and more inviting.
Regional Weather Conditions
Consider this: If you happen to be buying a home that is located in an area where there are brutally cold winters, you may want to look at houses for sale that incorporate an attached garage as well as covered entrances. As much as possible, you also want to have a driveway that is easy to shovel when it snows.
On the other hand, when you’re looking to move to a place where the weather is warm, you should seek a house that features shaded walkways and awnings to help keep you and your family cool.
When looking at houses for sale in Kelowna, contemplate these factors so that you can easily determine if your purchase will end up costing you more than you bargained for in the long run.
Sources:
Home-Buying Checklist: 20 Things to Consider Beyond the Inspection, Houzz
10 Things to Look for When Buying a House, esurance