At the end of the day, a house needs to be seen as a place for retreat, contemplation and silence, yet also a perfect place to turn the music up and host great company. A place where one can be free to lose all inhibitions and fashion it to their will.SO, YOU WANT to move to a new house. But do you know what you are looking for? Buying a house is no mean feat. Selecting the perfect house is even harder. Depending on individual tastes and preferences and the purpose of the house, one uses different yardsticks to choose the best bachelorpad, a start-up house for newlyweds or a family home.At the end of the day, a house needs to be seen as a place for retreat, contemplation and silence, yet also a perfect place to turn the music up and host great company. A place where one can be free to lose all inhibitions and fashion it to their will.For you to ultimately find this haven, there are several factors to consider before signing up for home ownership.LocationThe locality of the home specifically entails the safety within the neighbourhood and proximity to several amenities. These include feeder roads, water, electricity, schools, hospitals and markets.Finishing and materialsThe look and feel of the house depends on the finishing of the house. Once you know the price range, then it is easier to know what to expect. With lower budgets you will find touches like vinyl flooring, lower end carpet and possible plastic laminate counters in kitchen and baths.Pay attention to the ceilingThe ceiling is very indicative of the kind of roofing done, be it tiles or iron sheets. Look out for water spots that would show from possible leaks and cracks from structural damage. Also, pay attention to cracks in drywall, wall surfaces and where the ceiling meets the wall for warning signs.The outdoorsDo remember to look at the roof, gutters, drainpipe, and inspect the outdoor condition of the home, especially older homes. Find out if and/or when any previous maintenance or replacements have been conducted – if at all.The outside play area should be looked into carefully, bearing in mind the little ones. Also, parking space and a garden area is really important.Kitchen area and appliancesThis is among the most expensive and vital part of a house for me. But this will also depend on whether you are renting a furnished house or not. The age, care and condition of the appliances will then determine whether you will need to buy new ones or they will need to be serviced, hence impact financially on you.Bathroom amenitiesSimilarly to the kitchen, look at the bathroom plumbing fixtures – the shower and bathtub – to see what condition they are in. You should determine whether you will need to do any renovation or remodeling in the future.Major systemsTake a look at the electricity, water and heating units like the hot water heater and other major systems. These systems can be costly if they are left in disrepair for too long. It is advisable to keep them on your checklist.When going out there to look for a house to rent, try and be more informed. You might be in a hurry to shift into it but remember, if you do not check out these things earlier, the owners might blame it on you. This list will help you know what to look for when looking for the perfect home for you and your family.