1

House Size

Image: Esther Zheng

One of the very first things any prospective homeowner should ask themselves is what kind of house they want . Having a general idea of the size, as well as the amount and type of spaces needed, is considered basic information before starting to look for a property.

2

Roof Condition

Image: Andreas Weiland

For practical reasons, most people looking to buy a house don’t inspect the roof of a prospective home. However, that section of the house can present serious and costly problems if it has any kind of damage.

Asking about the condition of the roof is paramount. How old is it? What is it made of? Buyers can find this information on the seller’s disclosure or ask the real estate agent to find out. Asphalt shingle roofs last around 20 years, but other materials, like clay or metal, can last much longer.

3

Neighborhood Safety

Image: Alev Takil

It goes without saying: safety is a big thing. When searching for a home, make sure the neighborhood where a potential house is located is safe. It’s also highly advisable to check out the neighborhood from an insider’s perspective via social media, such as Facebook groups, where you can learn more about the area and ask locals questions.

If you’re truly interested in a particular home, spend some time in the neighborhood. Go for a walk and check out local businesses to get a feel for what it’s like to live in the area.

4

HVAC system

Image: Taylor Vick

The HVAC system heats and cools a house year-round. Anyone looking at houses should ask about the type of heating and cooling system each one has and, most importantly, how old it is. Asking for maintenance records is also a good idea.

Furnaces and AC units typically last anywhere from 10 to 25 years. If a unit is broken, repair costs vary based on the type of system and how big it is. Homeowners can spend an average of $7,000 to replace an existing HVAC unit—but don’t count on a home warranty to automatically cover that.

5

Property Taxes

Image: Recha Oktaviani

A commonly overlooked item for first-time homeowners when searching for a house is property taxes. When considering a potential home, always compare property tax amounts over several years to help you calculate the overall affordability of the property .

To find out a home's estimated property taxes, check with the county's appraisal board. Homeowners Association dues should be listed in the home's listing, or you can request them from the listing agent.

6

Plumbing

Image: PAN XIAOZHEN

The plumbing system in a house can be a mystery for a prospective buyer if they don't know how to inspect it properly. Pipe disintegration, obstructive tree root growth, and complicated clogs can all cause havoc on the system. Keep in mind that sewer line replacement can cost anywhere from $1,300 to $4,900.

Always check toilets for leaks, unstable bases, and discoloration . Look under the bathroom and kitchen sinks for signs of leaks. Turn on the hot water in the sink or tub to see if it gets hot. If it doesn’t, that could indicate a problem with the water heater.

7

Water damage and mold

Image: Hydra 4x

Water damage can cause numerous problems in a house, including structural issues, mold, and rot, especially in basements. Anyone inspecting a house should pay close attention to musty smells as well as water stains on floors, walls, or ceilings .

The cost of mold removal can be anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the size of the affected area. And, because mold is a health hazard, it should be treated before moving in.

8

Proper ventilation

Image: Jelleke Vanooteghem

This one might be subtle, but it’s very important, especially when considering the mold issues mentioned earlier. Without adequate interior ventilation, moisture can't evaporate , which can turn a room into a breeding ground for mold.

Look for condensation on windows or slightly bubbled or peeling paint around windows, doors, or vents. These signs may indicate moisture within the walls or ceiling drywall.

9

Noise Level

Image: Rei Kim

Nobody wants to live in a noisy home. But, at the same time, this issue is often overlooked when searching for houses. Many showings are cunningly scheduled during quiet hours to disguise the noise issues.

If you are truly interested in a property, visit during high-traffic hours to assess this concern . Even if the house is perfect in every other way, the constant hum of passing cars, public transport, or other sources of noise can become a serious problem.

10

Foundation and home exteriors

Image: Aiden Craver

Foundations matter. Bulging or bowing foundation walls are signs of structural weakness that can be expensive to repair. Always check for cracks in the foundation, drywall, or ceiling ; gaps above doors and windows ; sunken stairs or porches; and sloping or uneven floors or tiling.

Of course, not every crack means the home is about to collapse. Every home experiences some degree of settling, so some cracks are to be expected.

11

Electricity issues

Image: Mila Albrecht

The electrical system in a house can be compared to the nervous system of a human being: every part must work properly, and issues can sometimes be difficult to spot. From the power outlet next to the bed to other electrical systems in the house, like the garage door opener, everything is important and contributes to your safety and comfort. Bring a phone charger and plug it into random sockets to check if they work properly .

12

Room for improvement

Image: Daniel McCullough

Buying a house is a big investment and you can be living in it for a very long time. Therefore, it is always important to take into consideration any future plans and whether these plans make sense in that particular house.

Is there a wall you could knock out to create more space if needed? A garage or attic you could potentially finish if you need an extra room? Having an easy-to-modify layout can provide more possibilities for the future.

1

All In The Family - "Edith's Problem"

Image: Diego González

This 1970s sitcom used its format to address topics that were otherwise difficult to explore on television. In the episode "Edith’s Problem," the show demonstrated just how groundbreaking it could be.

"Edith’s Problem" centers on the leading character of the same name, who is going through menopause. Archie, a man who is annoyed by pretty much everything, is forced to reckon with the fact that Edith’s life is undergoing a real, biological change—one that will inevitably affect their marriage.

2

Home Improvement - "The Eve of Construction"

Image: Annie Gray

The Home Improvement episode "The Eve of Construction" brought in the highest viewership numbers of the entire series . In it, Jill and Al join forces as volunteers for a Habitat for Humanity build, teaming up because Tim believes married couples shouldn’t work together. In response, Tim assembles his own team to outdo them, and a fierce competition between the groups ensues.

3

ER - "A Hole in the Heart"

Image: Piron Guillaume

Centered on the professional and personal lives of the emergency room staff at Chicago’s Cook County General Hospital, ER featured an ever-evolving ensemble cast—including George Clooney—over its 15-season run.

In the Season 4 finale, "A Hole in the Heart," more than 47 million viewers tuned in as Clooney’s character, Dr. Doug Ross, faced the consequences of his controversial efforts to treat a drug-addicted infant.

4

Friends - "The One After the Superbowl"

Image: Paolo Aldrighetti

This turn-of-the-century sitcom juggernaut had many high points during its run, but the 1996 double-length episode "The One After the Superbowl" stands out as the most-watched. In it, Ross embarks on a comedic quest to reunite with his beloved former pet monkey , Marcel, now a successful animal actor filming in New York.

5

Seinfeld - "The Finale"

Image: Jonathan Roger

Possibly the biggest television series of the 1990s, Seinfeld ended with one of the highest-rated finales in TV history . In it, Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer find themselves in legal trouble after inadvertently violating a local law in Massachusetts. The four friends are subsequently put on trial and must await their respective fates in the final episode.

6

Magnum P.I. - "Resolutions"

Image: Wesley Tingey

The show that turned Tom Selleck—and his iconic mustache—into a household name delivered a satisfying finale that tied together several key elements of Magnum’s story and the show’s overarching narrative. Magnum P.I. helped define an era of detective and police dramas, and its final episode drew massive ratings from fans across the country.

7

Cheers - "One for the Road"

Image: QUI NGUYEN

The most-watched single TV episode of the 1990s was the series finale of Cheers . The conclusion featured the return of Shelley Long’s character, Diane Chambers, who reunites with Sam Malone in Boston. The episode also reveals what becomes of the bar’s beloved patrons as they each reflect on the meaning of life.

8

Gunsmoke - "Love Thy Neighbor"

Image: Taylor Brandon

This legendary show ran for 20 seasons , airing approximately 38 episodes per season —a milestone that seems almost impossible to surpass today. The episode "Love Thy Neighbor," which aired during the sixth season, centers on the theft of a sack of potatoes that sparks a feud between two families. The conflict escalates into a gun duel, resulting in tragic losses on both sides.

9

Bonanza - "The Pure Truth"

Image: Bailey Alexander

The series that launched Michael Landon’s career ran for 14 seasons and, in certain episodes, achieved even higher ratings than the other iconic cowboy series, Gunsmoke . One such episode, "The Pure Truth," centers on a plot in which one of the show’s central characters is falsely accused of a bank robbery and is forced to seek help from a mysterious prospector.

10

Roots - "Pt. VIII"

Image: Bryson Hammer

Roots was a massive hit during its run, telling a powerful story about the horrors of slavery and its lasting impact . The series finale marked the end of an era for its devoted followers and became one of the most-watched episodes of its time.

11

Dallas - "Who Done It?"

Image: Daniel Halseth

As we've seen, not all of the highest-ranked episodes are finales or even season finales. The fourth episode of Dallas 's fourth season is a prime example of this. It drew millions of viewers for one simple reason: Everyone had to know who shot J.R .

This cliffhanger became one of the series' defining moments, leaving audiences in suspense about the identity of the shooter for an incredible length of time. When the mystery was finally revealed, millions tuned in to find out who the culprit was.

12

M A S H - "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen"

Image: Museums Victoria

Even years after it aired, M A S H’s final episode still holds the top spot for the highest-rated single episode of all time . This episode masterfully blended heartbreak and sentiment, creating a finale that remained true to the wartime experiences that were often the show’s backdrop.

1

Keep a journal

Image: Thought Catalog

Writing down your thoughts is a great way to organize them into cohesive ideas . Doing so daily, ideally around the same time every day, generates a creative routine that will promote the appearance of new ideas to emerge consistently around that time.

2

Walking

Image: Chris Hardy

As German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said, "All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking." And while this statement may carry a deeper meaning, it's undoubtedly true that taking a walk helps get the creative juices flowing .

3

Reading

Image: Matias North

Reading not only exercises your brain and improves your vocabulary , but it also boosts your empathy and imagination. People who read literary fiction, in particular, are more likely to understand the feelings and beliefs of others.

4

Unplug

Image: Tobias Tullius

Spend less time in front of screens. Whether it’s your cellphone, computer, or television, unplugging from electronics —even for just a couple of hours each day—can significantly improve your brain’s ability to generate original thoughts and draw inspiration from within.

5

Exercise

Image: Jonathan Borba

This one goes hand in hand with the tip about walking. Exercise is a powerful way to boost your creative energy —it increases your metabolism and provides a sense of accomplishment that can carry over into other areas of your work and personal life.

6

Try new things often

Image: Laura D Vargas

Do something different every day. It could be a small detour from your usual routine or an entirely new activity. Your brain thrives with new things and your creativity feeds on anything that breaks away from the norm.

7

Move around

Image: Christin Hume

Changing locations gives you a new perspective , which affects how your brain processes information. It can be as simple as moving to a different room, working outside for the day, or venturing a bit farther—but it always helps.

8

Identify your best moments

Image: Avi Richards

Some of us work best in the early morning, while some work better late at night. Find the moment of the day when your energy is peaking and take advantage of it. This is the time of day when your concentration is sharpest, and it’s the best time to tackle tasks you've been putting off.

9

Seek out different opinions

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Creative people tend to interact with people who inspire them and capture their imagination, both in and outside of their own fields. Hearing about different opinions gives you a perspective outside your own and fosters new, creative ideas that you might not have come up with otherwise.

10

Be more curious

Image: Joakim Honkasalo

Being curious is possibly one of the best ways to fuel your creativity . Make it a point to learn something new every day. Allow yourself to go down rabbit holes and chase ideas—no matter how strange or unproductive they might seem (even if only for a short period).

11

Do not fear failure

Image: Kind and Curious

Two advantages to be gained from a mistake are finding out empirically what doesn’t work, and learning how to avoid similar situations in the future . This new information increases your experience and allows your imagination to better anticipate scenarios related to those mistakes.

12

Sleep well

Image: Simon Infanger

Last but not least, sleep well. Lack of sleep can slow down cognitive functions, so prioritize getting a good night’s rest to ensure your brain is in top shape to come up with fresh ideas.