Sixteen years ago, we moved into the home we still live in today — and what a journey it has been! Over the years, our house has changed almost as much as we have. From my ever-evolving design style (think farmhouse, colonial, and boho!) to the countless coats of paint and evolving flower beds, this home has been the backdrop for so many great memories.
We’ve made plenty of updates along the way: replacing the windows, expanding the driveway, and even adding an addition. These changes have kept our home functional, comfortable, and a true reflection of us.
The Importance of Knowing a Home’s Condition Before You Buy
When we bought this house, my interest in real estate was just beginning. Even back then, I knew to pay close attention to the big-ticket items. The roof and HVAC were fairly new, and the bathrooms had all been remodeled for the sale. That meant we could move in without worrying about major repairs for the foreseeable future.
During our inspection, we requested a few small fixes based on the report, and then we were on our way to becoming proud homeowners. But here’s where I wish we had known better — we didn’t get a sewer line inspection.
Why You Should Never Skip a Sewer Line Scope
At the time, it didn’t seem like a big deal. But wouldn’t you know it — years later, we discovered our sewer line was cracked. Back in the day, cast iron pipes were considered top-of-the-line. Unfortunately, they break down over time and can eventually crack or collapse.
We’ll never know if the damage existed when we bought the home or if it developed later. But if we had done that sewer scope before buying, we might have been able to negotiate repairs or at least budget for the replacement.
Lesson learned: when you’re buying a home, never skip important inspections — even ones you think you might not need. They can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of headaches later.
Planning for Home Maintenance and Repairs
Fast forward to today: the “foreseeable future” has passed, and our once-new roof, HVAC system, and sewer line are all on the replacement list. The price tags aren’t small, but because we’ve always budgeted for home maintenance, the hit is manageable.
That’s one of the most important long-term homeownership tips I can share:
● Set aside money each year for major repairs.
● Expect that big-ticket items will eventually need to be replaced.
● Address small issues early before they become expensive problems.
Key Takeaways for Homebuyers and Homeowners
1. Get all recommended inspections — especially the sewer line scope.
2. Know the age of your home’s major systems before you buy.
3. Budget annually for repairs and replacements — they’re part of homeownership.
Owning a home is an adventure filled with beautiful memories, DIY projects, and yes — occasional repair bills. But with planning and the right information, you can protect your investment and avoid unnecessary stress.
If you’re buying a home soon, we’d love to help you navigate the process and avoid the mistakes we made. You can also follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok where we share weekly homeowner tips, real estate advice, and stories from life in our little corner of Maryland.