So, you’ve done your research, scouring neighborhoods, looking for the perfect home.  You finally find the perfect house, make an offer, and move in.  The last thing you want to discover at this point is that the house doesn’t come with all the essentials you were wanting.  It might just be small things.  Regardless, it’s a nuisance to discover that important items are missing.

realtor.com recommends to play it safe and check for these commonly overlooked features.

KITCHEN

Look to make sure the house has all the time-saving gadgets you need.  Not all homes come with a garbage disposal or maybe a sink sprayer.  If you plan to do a lot of cooking, proper ventilation is important (preferably in the form of a range hood).  

If the seller is throwing in appliances, make sure that means everything, including the microwave.  And don’t assume everything you see is included.  Even an island might not be permanent. 

 

BATHROOM

Of course, you can’t expect shower curtains or maybe even shower heads to be in place when you move in.  But realtor.com says some features should stay in place such as towel racks, toilet paper holders, and shower curtain rod.  Also, test the ventilation system to make sure it works and listen for any noises coming from it that could indicate a problem. 

 

THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE

Does the fireplace work or is it there strictly for aesthetic purposes?  Check to see if the fireplace has a gas starter and even a chimney.  Some wood-burning fireplaces look legit but don’t have a chimney.  

Check all rooms for grounded three-prong outlets.  Two-pronged outlets are basically useless for today’s needs. Ideally there will be at least one outlet in the bathroom and one on each wall in every room.

Visually inspect the paint and caulking around windows and doors.  Every house needs new paint and caulk every 10 years or so.

 

OUTSIDE

The home may look beautifully landscaped, but is there a sprinkler system?  If there is one, check to make sure it works properly.  Like realtor.com says, a faulty sprinkler system can cause major problems, like excessive weed growth and foundation troubles.  

Check for working gates if the property is fenced.  Don't assume you’ll have the access points you want.  

Check for outdoor spigots.  You’ll need at least one in both the front and back yards.

In the garage, check for an automatic door opener.  This isn’t always standard, especially in older homes.  

Finally, don’t just assume everything that seems permanent is actually going to stay with the home.