Cape Coral is on the top 10 list of places to retire, according to Bankrate.com. This really isn’t surprising since Florida woos retirees from all over the world with its warm weather, resort beaches, and vacation atmosphere. When considering Cape Coral luxury homes, townhomes, or condos, there are a few potential problems to carefully consider before committing to buy.
Where to Look for Potential Problems When House Hunting for Cape Coral Luxury Homes
Know the Roof’s Age
Rain, hurricanes, heat, and humidity can wreak havoc on the roofs gracing even the grandest of Cape Coral luxury homes. As you look at homes for sale in Cape Coral, find out when the roof was actually laid. Most roofs that are properly installed last anywhere from 20 to 25 years. Even if the roof falls below that age range, you should do a visual inspection. As you walk around the outside of the house, check to see if there are any missing tiles or shingles, curling, or cracking. Adding a new roof can be very expensive. Even repair work can turn into a costly venture. Be aware and use it for negotiating the right price.
Get Specifics on the A/C
Florida residents know an air conditioner is vital to a happy home. Just like roofs, central air conditioning units need to be in top working order. If they are not, the heat can cause quite an inconvenience for everyone living in the home, and an air conditioning unit can be quite costly to repair.
Most recently built homes will have central air and heat in a single unit; older homes may still sport wall or window units, but these type of cooling units also can be an investment. Besides being more expensive on a monthly basis to just operate, they can cause other issues to arise, such as mold.
Whatever type of cooling unit is in the home, be sure to inspect it closely and ask about its age. Ten years is about the average age when an air conditioning unit needs to be replaced. Keep that in mind when bidding on a home.
Check for Insulation
Florida is a warm state. With energy prices remaining high, you will want to invest in a Cape Coral luxury home that is well-insulated from the heat. The standard measurement of insulation in the ceiling is about one foot. There also should be insulation in between the outside walls to help keep the cool in the hottest months. Blowing in insulation can add several thousand dollars to the cost of a home, but will be well worth it when considering the energy savings. Weigh these costs if this is something that you’ll be required to do to a home.
Hire Professionals
As a home buyer, you want to be educated on what to watch out for when buying a home, especially Cape Coral luxury homes. Now that you know a few specific, high-ticket items to keep your eye out for, it’s time to hire professionals to be on your side. Talk to a Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty sale professional. We know reputable home inspectors in the area and will be able to help guide you to the right Cape Coral luxury homes so you won’t be left with any unpleasant and costly surprises. Give us a call today!
