Fixtures, What They Are, And Why They Matter
By Regina Wheeler
Purchasing a home can be one of the biggest decisions in a person's life. However not everyone is sure about what items typically come with a home and which ones do not. Here, we will look at answering just this question.
What Is A Fixture?
Generally speaking, a fixture is anything that is screwed or fastened to the house in one way or another. A good rule of thumb many real estate agents use is if an item requires a screwdriver or set of tools to be detached from the house, it is most likely a fixture.
Why Are Fixtures Important?
Many home sellers believe that any item they have personally installed can go with them when they sell the house and move on. Unless specifically stated in the purchase agreement, this is not the case and most fixtures must remain with the house even if it transfers ownership from one individual to another'' writes James Lee, a real estate writer at Next Coursework and Phd Kingdom.Most Common Items Not Considered Fixtures
1. Refrigerator
While t is customary for individuals to leave a refrigerator when selling a home, it is not considered a fixture. This might come as a surprise to some people, but sellers are under no obligation to provide buyers with a refrigerator.
2. Washer And Dryer
Another appliance that many people may, at first, think to be a fixture is a washer and dryer duo. Unfortunately, this is not the case, and sellers are free to take their washer and dryer with them when they leave.
3. Above Ground Hot Tub/Swimming Pool
If a hot tub or pool is above ground and can be hauled away without breaking any concrete or digging into the earth, then the seller is free to take it with them when they sell the house.
4. Fish In Fish Pond
Although this may seem like an odd item to some, sellers are well within their legal right to take with them any fish they may have in an outdoor fish pond.
5. Home Theater System
Unfortunately for the buyer, any home theater system that has been installed is not considered a fixture and can be disassembled and taken away by the seller once they leave.
Items That Are Considered Fixtures
1. Counter Tops
One of the main items people replace when re-doing a kitchen is the countertops. Counter tops have caused some confusion in many cases, but at the end of the day they are considered fixtures. Even if the homeowner has spent a decent amount of money on installing new countertops, they are considered a fixture and cannot be disassembled and taken with them unless specifically started in the purchase agreement, writes Henry Rolls, a writer at Origin Writings and Britstudent.
2. Underground Hot Tub Or Swimming Pool
While it is true that any hot tub or swimming pool that sits freely on top of the ground can be removed from the property during a sale, one's that are placed into the ground cannot. This has created some confusion in the past, especially when it comes to hot tubs set into a deck or patio.
3. Attached Awnings
In warmer clients, it is not uncommon for homeowners to install some kind of awning to protect them from the sun. Typically, awnings that have been attached to the house as permanent items are considered fixtures and are not to be uninstalled and removed in the event of a home sale.
4. New Windows
In colder climates, window installation can be a major investment. Not only does it help to keep cold air out, but good windows also serve to keep warm air inside the house. In fact, new windows are one of the most common expenses homeowners incur and they are not cheap. Because of this, some individuals may be tempted to take newly installed windows with them when they leave. Unfortunately, unless it is explicitly stated in the purchase agreement, new windows are considered fixtures and cannot be removed.
5. Sinks
Like windows, it is very common for people to replace old/outdated sinks when they buy a house. Unfortunately for them, these items are considered fixtures and cannot be removed and taken away upon sale.
About The Author
What to Read Next
