| Home |
 |
| Buying a Home in The 21st Century-Chapter 6 |
|
By |
| Claudette Millette |
|
Broker, Owner -- The Buyers' Counsel |
| Exclusive Buyer Brokerage |
| 508-881-6230 |
Because we spend one third of our lives sleeping, the comfort of the bedrooms is extremely important. Generally speaking, bedrooms should be located away from the main living zones and have an accessible bathroom.
Lighting and ventilation are also significant. The main sources of artificial lighting in bedrooms are ceiling lights and lamps on end tables or dressers. For sunlight and ventilation, you should check the size and placement of the windows.
The minimum code requirement for the window area is 10 percent in relation to the rest of the room. Most of us enjoy more sunlight than that so it should have several windows or a skylight. The windows should also be located in a way that allows ample wall space for your furniture. If you have large bedroom furniture bring a measuring tape with you when viewing homes to make sure that the wall space will be adequate.
Three bedrooms are usually considered minimum for a family and are also important for resale. If your budget allows, a fourth bedroom will increase the value considerably.
If you view a home that has three bedrooms upstairs and a bed in a finished basement, it is not a four bedroom house. To qualify as a bedroom it should be either upstairs with the other bedrooms or in a quiet corner on the first floor. It must also have its own closet.
Large master bedrooms and master suites have grown in popularity. These often have walk-in closets and generous sitting areas. The master bath can range from a small bath with vanity and shower to a large one with double vanities, Jacuzzi tub and a separate shower.
The kitchen is the center of living and activity in most homes. Whether you gather together for meals or wander in at different times, this is still where the food is as well as the microwave, dishwasher and stove. It should be located close to any possible eating areas, including the formal dining room, outside patio and family room. It should also be convenient to the garage or breezeway with the thought of carrying in groceries.
The kitchen should have an inviting atmosphere, be well lit
and benefit from the sunlight with adequate windows. The window over the sink is a popular design for reasons of ventilation and adequate lighting. For night time cleanups, there should be a additional lighting in the sink and cleanup area.To be properly ventilated, there should be at least two windows and a back door. It's also important to have an exhaust fan system that draws cooking fumes directly to the outside air.
Although most of us feel that it is not possible to have enough counter or cabinet space, newer construction has been paying great heed to this need and providing more utilization of all of the available areas. Corner cabinets have lazy Susans and additional counters are installed wherever possible. Pantries have also been welcomed back into homes, some equipped with sliding shelves and spice racks.
Many people like to have an eat-in kitchen since this is more convenient for daily or informal meals. To respond to this need, space should be allotted for the inclusion of a table and chairs. Center islands with areas for barstools provide another informal eating place. They also provide extra counter space and additional cabinet storage underneath.
When viewing potential kitchens, you may want to ask yourself some practical questions: Do you prefer a range or a separate cook top and oven? Does the design of the room allow for easy rinsing and loading of the dishwasher? Are there enough cutting and preparation surfaces? Is there an area to store cooking items, such as olive oil, close to the stove? If you have the need, is there enough room for two cooks to work without bumping into one another?
Popular appliance colors in the 1960s and 70s were Avocado Green, Harvest Gold and Deep Copper. Following this phase, we saw appliance colors go back to white and almond. The trend now is toward industrial-style stainless steel with an emphasis on professional quality ranges with oversized hoods. This polished and high-tech look goes well with every decor from traditional to contemporary and the stainless steel trend is expected to become even larger in the coming years.
For those who do not want stainless steel, there are still all-white appliances and also the integrated look. With this style, it's hard to tell that an appliance is not a cabinet. With an integrated style, you no longer have a kitchen designed to accommodate a refrigerator since the refrigerator is built into the look of the wood. Sub-zeros, which are built-in refrigerators, have been around for awhile but are now gaining in popularity. These are usually side-by-side and come with a framed overlay allowing you to put a on a wood front thus projecting a cabinet-like look.
Dishwashers are also available with wooden fronts to disguise their appearance. The newer ones are coming with dishwasher drawers which can be used separately or simultaneously. The draws are more energy efficient, using only 4 gallons of water which is heated up to 165 degrees. Also, manufacturers are releasing other products that are completely integrated into kitchen cabinet fronts such as built-in coffee machines and toasters.
With regard to the stove, gas cook tops and ranges have retained their popularity since their look is one of nostalgia and also of a serious cook. Since a gas flame gives you more control than an electric burner, it is usually preferred by gourmet chefs. Still, there are pragmatic cooks who choose electric stoves with ceramic surfaces since they are, generally, easier to clean.
There is, currently, a wide selection of countertop materials available. When buying an existing home you may be restricted to whatever the previous owner has chosen. However, if you decide to redo the kitchen or if you are buying new construction, your choice can depend on a number of factors including personal taste, desired usage and cost.
To date, the most widely-used material for kitchen counters has been Formica or plastic laminate.
Formica is a laminated melamine which is made from layers of special papers impregnated with synthetic resins. The saturated papers are fused together under heat and pressure to produce the laminate surface. The surface is easy to clean, resists stains and wears well. It is usually accompanied by a matching backsplash that abuts the wall the countertop is mounted against.
Formica comes in a variety of colors and can even mimic the appearance of Corian. It does not; however, hold up under high heat. Hot pans must be put on a protective surface to avoid damaging a Formica counter.
Ceramic tile is a hard and durable surface and is not affected by heat or fire. It is resistant to stain and sharp knives will not cut it. The color is unaffected by sunlight and stays true to its original.
A lovely effect can be created with matching tile on the walls countertop surface. It can be beautiful and many designer magazines feature kitchens with imported tile countertops.
A negative aspect of ceramic tile is in its maintenance. Hard blows can chip the tile and the grout must be cleaned on a regular basis or it will take on a dingy appearance. The grout can also be stained by red wine since it is a porous substance.
Corian is an extremely durable surface developed by Dupont. It can be drilled, sculpted, bent or worked like fine wood. Although it is available in over 100 colors, the standard countertop colors are usually shades of alabaster. Every Corian countertop is custom designed and has a completely seamless appearance.
Corian's beauty and durability have made it a popular kitchen and bath surface for home owners as well as for builders. It is also a surface that is easy to care for.
Although some builders refer to Corian as indestructible, it can be deeply scratched. It can also be burned by hot pans. The difference with Corian is that the scratches and burns can be repaired and the surface can usually be restored to a "like new" appearance.
Granite is formed deep in the earth's
mantle at extremely high temperatures. This
makes it a very hard
and resistant substance. Hot pans will not damage the surface of a granite
countertop and the manufacturer seals it immediately following
installation. The sealing penetrates the stone, clogging most of
its pores, thereby making it invulnerable to any liquid spills.
Even though granite is extremely resilient, it should not be used as a cutting board. The solid surface is harder than any knife blades and will quickly dull them.
Since granite is made from a natural stone, each countertop is unique, owing its beauty and design completely to nature. If you are having granite installed in your home, your contractor will give you samples to choose from. Be aware that your granite will differ slightly in color and pattern from any sample. This distinctive and original quality is part of the beauty of owning a natural substance.
Concrete countertops boast a warm and natural look that go well with materials such as wood, stone and brick. These countertops are either pre-cast in a shop or built on site. The plus to an in-shop build is that the environment is controlled while it is curing and the surface can then be adequately sealed. An on-site installation will more likely conform to the home owner's particular style or need.
Due to the texture and individuality of concrete, many find it to be a dynamic addition to a kitchen. No two concrete countertops are alike and some contractors have their own unique styling to ensure this. One style is called a "veined" look. After the surface has been worked, a grinding disk zigzags across it revealing marble-like veining. It is then sealed to be completely smooth. Another method is called "terrazzo" whereby marble chips are worked into the background, creating a two-toned effect which adds textural interest under the smooth, sealed surface.
A concrete surface is not stagnant. Its color and texture vary as well as its look over a period of time and with regular use. Cast concrete countertops are becoming popular with those who want a completely individualized look.
Stainless steel, which was once the exclusive domain of commercial kitchens, is fast becoming popular in new homes. To provide it with sturdiness and to act as a sound barrier, it is always installed over a plywood substrate.
Like stainless steel appliances, stainless countertops bring a professional restaurant look into residential kitchens. It is waterproof, heat resistant and easy to clean. It has also long been considered an ideal surface for food preparation. Besides being extremely durable, the addition of chromium provides it with rust-resistant properties.
The negative side of stainless steel is that it can be scratched and dented. It is a surface that should not be used for cutting.
Significantly, a study by the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management concluded that stainless steel countertops are a proven germ fighter. The study revealed that this surface is the least likely to harbor dangerous bacteria, such as E. coli when compared to other countertop surfaces which may be why it is used in so many restaurant and commercial applications.
Until quite recently, the standard area for the laundry was in the basement. This location had the advantage of space and also of the soiled clothing being out of the main part of the house for aesthetic reasons. Although there was the problem of having to walk up and down the stairs, installing a laundry chute from the upper levels was part of a solution.
Newer homes tend to have the laundry area off of the kitchen,
often in its own section behind closed doors. Many people find this to be advantageous since they spend most of their time in the main level of the house. People with small children seem to prefer to have the laundry in or around the kitchen to save steps while supervising them.Others argue that the dirty clothes emanate from the bedroom level and prefer to have a second floor laundry. This makes perfect sense since the clothes, towels and sheets usually have to be returned to the second floor. If this is your preference just pay heed to the possibility of odors from detergents being so close to the bedrooms. Make sure that cabinets close tightly for storage of all cleaning solvents and that proper ventilation is in place.
Wherever the laundry area is there should be venting from the dryer to the outside. This is the case whether you are using electric or gas. Also, the surrounding floors and walls should be made of substances resistant to moisture, humidity and the spilling of solvents.
The size is not as important as the convenience of the location. Cabinets and shelves are needed for storing detergents, softeners and bleach. Countertops are helpful for folding and sorting the laundry and, the importance of adequate lighting in the laundry room should not be minimized.
The American bathroom has become a major selling feature
in new homes. Next to the kitchen, it is the most important interior
influence. Because of this, the number and quality of bathrooms in a home can
affect its resale value. 
Bathrooms
Another minimum standard is a bathroom or half bath on each separate floor. Custom built luxury houses often have a full bathroom for each bedroom.
A bathroom may be called full if it has a tub and shower, or only a shower. The standard is a bath and shower combination.
A bathroom that is shared by two bedrooms is sometimes referred to as a Hollywood bath, or, in the case of children's bedrooms, a Jack and Jill bath. This may not be an optimum situation due to the light over the door and possible noise waking the person in the adjacent room. There is also the problem of forgetting to unlock the adjoining door, thus locking the other person out.
Many newer homes are being built with a Jacuzzi or simply an oversized tub in the master. In this case, you will want to take note of the size of the water heater to ensure that it is capable of providing sufficient hot water for a large tub.
During your home inspection make sure that enough heat is getting to all of the bathrooms. Baths require additional heat, especially in the winter months. When a bathroom has been built over a garage area, proper insulation is a must. In this situation, it is crucial that the heating system is adequately reaching this area. If not, an additional heat source should be installed.
All bathrooms should also have fans that ventilate air to the outside.
When viewing bathrooms, check inside of the tub and shower for mold and mildew, making sure that it is cleanable and not permanently stained. Also check the grout between ceramic tiles for chipping and color.
Throughout the years the idea of having a separate room for
entertaining apart from casual spaces has remained with us. The term "drawing room" was short for withdrawing. It referred to the ladies leaving the men to their brandy and cigars to a place where they could withdraw for some conversation.Customs in the twenty-first century have changed that way of thinking and, due to the overwhelming popularity of the family room, the living room has taken a position of less importance.
The location of the living room is usually in the front of the home to the right or left of the foyer. It should not be in an area where traffic passes through, but rather in a dead-end area. Many home owners have turned this room into a study or office. With the addition of French doors, this can be easily achieved.
Today, the family room, kitchen and three season porches are when most of the household activities take place, somewhat diminishing the importance of the living room. It no longer maintains its exalted status as the family living center.
The living room has, however, survived the sociological changes that have taken place over the past few centuries and many people still place great importance on the furnishings and elegance of this graceful living area.
The family room had its origin a half a century ago with a
connection to the end of World War II. With the return of soldiers, their subsequent marriages and raising of families, the baby boom generation began. These larger families needed a room for activities and, thus, the family room was born.There is no exact standard placement for the family room. Some
older homes have it situated in a finished basement. Split level houses also have this arrangement. In newer homes, the room is often located near the kitchen area for easy flow and proximity to the where food is prepared. The open flow of a family room and kitchen can create a central area which is conducive to monitoring the activities of small children while cooking and cleaning.The layout of the family room generally takes on the character of the family inhabiting it. If there is a music buff in the household it will be reflected in the shelves of stereo equipment and media storage. This is also where a home theatre will be located, equipped with a television and speaker system. Built-in cabinets and bookshelves are a welcomed asset for holding various items that are stored and used such as books, photo albums, videos and CD's.
A good size for a small to medium house can be 12 feet by 16 feet. There is really no maximum size and a large house could conceivably contain a family room that is 16 by 26 feet or more. It is generally thought that the larger the family room, the smaller the living room. One being formal and the other informal in use and furnishings.
Some feel that with society's new population philosophies, the importance of the family room may diminish in a decade or two. It will probably not disappear, but will be modified with regard to its current uses. However you use it, the usually large room is a welcomed asset and often a visual focal point of a home.
The basement is where you can tell a great deal about a home,
particularly if it is an older one.As you inspect the basement, check for the following items:
Are there cracks in the foundation?
If there are significant cracks in the walls these can be a point of entry for water to come into the basement. Look for patches over cracks that are deteriorating. Eventually, they can widen if the problem is not corrected. Some cracks are due to settlement and these are not serious. However; wide or V-shaped cracks can be signs of something more significant.
Are there any water stains or water marks in the concrete?
Check under the windows. Often water seeps through causing rust colored stains. Also note any white powder that may be on the walls. This is known as efflorescence and is the residue that is left after water has seeped into the building and evaporated.
Is there a sump-pump?
If there is one, it is an indication that the basement may have had water seepage problems, however, sometimes a sump pump will be installed as a precautionary measure. Some builders are now installing sump pumps in all of their houses simply as a precautionary measure. Consult the owner about the history of water problems and what went into the decision to install a sump pump. You might also ask if there were any other water correction methods put in such as a perimeter drain. A perimeter drain is usually installed around the foundation of the house to prevent water from going into the basement.
Are the current owners storing items directly on the floor and, if so, are they in good condition?
Also check the bottoms of metal items like the hot water heater. If it has rust and flaking this is an indication of a water problem.
Does the basement smell musty?
Check for the presence of a dehumidifier and note if it is running. It is common to have a dehumidifier in a basement to help keep the musty smell out. Just be sure that if there is one that it is doing an adequate job.
Take notice of the furnace. If you are looking at an older home the chances are that you are looking at an old furnace. Check for any leaking or odor of oil or gas. Also, ask the home owner if the furnace is the original and what has been done to update it. Often with an older furnace, some parts, such as the burner, have been replaced.
If there is water on the floor directly under the furnace this could be a sign that the boiler has cracked in the heat exchanger. Rust along the bottom can, once again, indicate a wet basement problem.
| There should be an inspection tag from the last time the oil or gas company did an inspection. A cleaning and maintenance should be done on a furnace at least once a year, usually in preparation for the winter season. If the tag is missing, ask the seller or broker when the furnace was last checked or serviced and if the record of it is available. If there is no sign of recent service it is a good idea to ask the seller to have the furnace serviced and provide you with the paid invoice prior to closing. |  |
|
Basement Sump Pump |
The electric service panel is usually located in the basement attached to a wall. It should be on a wood panel and not directly on the concrete.
An important rule to know about the electric panel is to not touch anything in it. Home inspectors not only have an electrical background but they also take precautions about what they are wearing and using to inspect these systems. These include rubber-soled shoes, insulated tools and insulated mats.
If you are looking at an older home, there may still be fuses which means it has not been updated. Preferably, there will be circuit breakers. Look on the main breaker, which is at the top, to see what the amperage is. It will usually, but not always, be stamped into this breaker. The minimum acceptable amperage is 100 amps. Newer homes come with at least a 200 amp service.
On the inside of the panel door there should be a list of all of the circuits and which items in the house they control. This is necessary, according to Massachusetts electrical code, and needs to be corrected if the coordinating items are not listed.