Ladies,
Living in the country is a beautiful way to live. Scenery outside of every window, room to grow your own flowers and food, a place for animals and children to run and play, there’s just no other place like it to make a home.
So, would you believe that my husband and I have never owned our own country house? Yet here I am dishing out how to find one. After years of doing our own search, we have compiled quite the know-how on shopping for country houses, even if we have yet to buy. We will continue to use this information in our own pursuit of a quality property. These are the ten most important things to ask, know, or do when buying a house in the country. See the 10 Tips for Buying Land here.
1. Water
Is it well or city water? What is the age and condition of the well equipment? What is the well water pressure like?
2. Test your water
Test for bacteria, chemicals, minerals, etc.
3. Septic system
Where is the drain field on the property? This would be an area that you cannot plant or build anything. Or park on. How close to the water well is the drain field? What type of plumbing pipes were used? Ceramic, metal, pvc?
4. Zoning
Can you put a guest cottage/modular cottage on the property? Or other out buildings?
5. Levels of rural
Know how rural you want to live. Some rural areas have restrictions such as no chickens or cows, they are like rural subdivisions. If you need more freedom, look for no restrictions.
6. Willingness to renovate
Many rural houses are quite old because building further out is less common so there are less newer homes. Make sure you have the budget to do the upgrades that may need to be done to an existing house.
7. Observe and meet the nearest neighbors
Is their property well kept? Are they friendly and helpful? Do they keep their dogs from wandering into your potential property? Buying the house means buying the neighbors. Make sure you want to live next to these people because it can mean a quality of life difference to have good or bad neighbors in the country.
8. Back up power
Does the house come with a propane generator or on site tank? Is there access to lumber to stock firewood for the winter for emergency powers outages? Power outages are guaranteed in the country and you must have your resources lined up.
9. Trash
Find out how to dispose of your own trash if there is no trash collection in your neck of the woods.
10. Deliveries
Find out if UPS or FedEx delivers to the address. Depending on how far out it is, you may need a P.O. Box.
More Things to Consider
Is the property fenced and if so, what is the age and condition of the fence? Will you want a fence anywhere? If so, can you afford to put one in? Do you like the views from the windows/hang out areas like the front and back porch and patios? Will big things like the windows, flooring, or roof need to be replaced soon? How old is the water heater? Do you see any signs of water damage along windows, doorways, walls or ceilings? Is the house foundation in good repair? Can you afford landscaping? Will you need to repair, replace, or redesign the road to the house, driveway, or walkways?
I hope this compilation of questions helps you to consider a potential country house as your new abode. With planned expectations, an agreed upon budget, and creativity, you can make something your very own.
Happy country house shopping!
WHATEVERLOVELY.COM
CHRISTIAN LIVING – FASHION – HOME
Leave a Reply