Open House

by Trandem, Bryan

• ISBN13: 9781589230606
• ISBN10: 1589230604
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-05-01
• Publisher: Creative Pub Intl

Summary

Shopping for a new home is one of the most important activities you'll ever undertake. This book will help turn the nerve-wracking, stressful process of inspecting homes into an enjoyable outing, by showing you what to look for. It teaches you how to identify potential dream homes as well as how to spot a "money pit" with problems that could be potentially devastating to your pocket book. With this book in hand, you'll be in a position to make an intelligent, informed decision when committing to a home purchase.

The book is logically structured around the typical way in which consumers look at houses that may become their homes. It begins by showing them how to identify homes that might meet their needs, whether it be through a drive-by, through consultation with a real estate agent, or by viewing an on-line real estate website. The book then guides readers through the first visit to an open house showing, teaching them how to spot structural or mechanical problems that might be deal killers -- as well as problems that are easily fixable. Next, the book shows

Author Biography

Bryan Trandem has written and edited more than 20 best-selling titles on home improvement and landscaping. He lives in Minneapolis with his wife, son and daughter.

Table of Contents

Open for Viewing	4	(4)
How to Use This Book
Let the Search Begin	8	(10)
Finding Good Houses in Good Neighborhoods
View from the Curb	18	(4)
First Impressions
Meeting Your Host	22	(8)
Starting Off on the Right Foot
Welcome to the Great Outdoors	30	(12)
Accessing the Yard & Landscape
Regarding Roofs	42	(12)
Evaluating the Roof System
Pick a Side	54	(10)
Assessing the Siding
Step Inside	64	(6)
Checking the Layout
From the Ground Up	70	(14)
Inspecting the Home's Structure
In, Out, and Through	84	(8)
Evaluating the Windows and Doors
Indoor Weather Report	92	(10)
Inspecting the HVAC System
Watts It All About	102	(8)
The Electrical System
Plumbing the Depths	110	(14)
Assessing the Plumbing System
Of Ovens and Ice Makers	124	(4)
Inspecting the Appliances
On the Surface of Things	128	(8)
Walls, Ceilings, Floors, and Other Surfaces
Nice to Meet You	136	(4)
Meeting the Owner
The Healthy Home	140	(14)
Avoiding the ``Sick House''
Internet Resources	154	(4)
Index	158