COVID is wreaking havoc on the New York City real estate market. This is bad news if you’d like to sell your place for the highest price possible, but on the other hand, you’re looking to buy, it’s wonderful. Would-be homeowners are finding sweetheart deals both in new developments which are having difficulty filling units as well as among older listings – properties that have been on the market for a while.
While lower prices are certainly exciting, you want to make sure you’re making a smart investment when you buy a home. One issue to pay particular attention to is your new home’s plumbing. We asked a top New York City plumber what questions a home buyer should always ask, and here are the replies:
NYC Plumbing Problems: Water Pressure
How is the water pressure? Water pressure is one of the top reasons people call a New York City plumber. Low or intermittent water pressure is extremely frustrating to live with.
Have Your NYC Plumber Check the Pipes!
How old are the pipes? When you’re buying a property in a new development, it’s reasonable to assume everything is up to code. But if you’re searching for bargains among properties that haven’t sold all that quickly, proceed with caution. The older the building, the more likely it is to have plumbing that isn’t done exactly by the book. While that’s fine as long as everything is working properly, be aware that every renovation and remodel will require bringing the plumbing up to code to accommodate your desired changes. Consultation with a New York plumber ahead of time can let you form an accurate assessment of what those costs might be and if they offset any savings you’re realizing now.
What’s the situation with the fire suppression system? Safety should never be an afterthought. If the property you’re considering has sprinklers, you want to know when they were installed, serviced, and inspected. Fire suppression systems can mean the difference between a minor fire and a major catastrophe.
