OK, you have decided the state is friendly to your personal situation, there are good schools for the kids and a nearby church you think will work. The tax rate is moderate and cost of living is good while jobs are plentiful and the economy is growing. You have to choose a new home.
This discussion is on homes that are already built not on building your own - that is another, rather complex, discussion.
Is the land you have restricted for garden size or what fruit you can grow? Is there enough usable area for your garden?
Is there a private well for potable water or are you required to be served by the city/county?
The house:
Are the walls fastened to the foundation? How close together are the ties? What kind of sheathing is used on the exterior walls? How much insulation is in the walls and over the ceiling? What kind of siding and roofing is on the house? Is the area prone to ants and or termites? How far away is the nearest fire station and what is their average response time? Are you close to a fire hydrant? What is the heat source? Can you install a wood burning stove as a back-up? Is there a pantry in the kitchen or will you have to designate a room in the house for that? Do you have a garage and a shed? If not can you build them or is the property limited to the size and number of out buildings? Are the appliances gas or electric? Do you approve of them? Is the electrical system up to date and up to code?
Is the yard sloping away from the house? Is it in a flood area? It it protected from flood? Is the roof capable of carrying the loads in your area?; snow, sand, winds, rain and is the roof drainage system adequate to keep the foundation dry? If you have a basement is it finished? Is the concrete sealed? Is there a sump and pump in working order? Is your sewer drainage clear and free flowing? Any cracks or broken pipes?
Do the doors and windows seal when closed. Are the windows double or triple pane. You do plan on replacing the door locks with security locks, don't you?
Have you met your neighbors? Have you attended the church yet? Have you looked at the schools to make sure they are safe? Have you checked with the local police or sheriffs department to discuss crime in the area? These last items can make the difference of a happy home and a place of respite or a place that you find yourself alone or on guard all the time.
What can you add?
What would you not be concerned with?
This discussion is on homes that are already built not on building your own - that is another, rather complex, discussion.
Is the land you have restricted for garden size or what fruit you can grow? Is there enough usable area for your garden?
Is there a private well for potable water or are you required to be served by the city/county?
The house:
Are the walls fastened to the foundation? How close together are the ties? What kind of sheathing is used on the exterior walls? How much insulation is in the walls and over the ceiling? What kind of siding and roofing is on the house? Is the area prone to ants and or termites? How far away is the nearest fire station and what is their average response time? Are you close to a fire hydrant? What is the heat source? Can you install a wood burning stove as a back-up? Is there a pantry in the kitchen or will you have to designate a room in the house for that? Do you have a garage and a shed? If not can you build them or is the property limited to the size and number of out buildings? Are the appliances gas or electric? Do you approve of them? Is the electrical system up to date and up to code?
Is the yard sloping away from the house? Is it in a flood area? It it protected from flood? Is the roof capable of carrying the loads in your area?; snow, sand, winds, rain and is the roof drainage system adequate to keep the foundation dry? If you have a basement is it finished? Is the concrete sealed? Is there a sump and pump in working order? Is your sewer drainage clear and free flowing? Any cracks or broken pipes?
Do the doors and windows seal when closed. Are the windows double or triple pane. You do plan on replacing the door locks with security locks, don't you?
Have you met your neighbors? Have you attended the church yet? Have you looked at the schools to make sure they are safe? Have you checked with the local police or sheriffs department to discuss crime in the area? These last items can make the difference of a happy home and a place of respite or a place that you find yourself alone or on guard all the time.
What can you add?
What would you not be concerned with?