Would you spend just 20 minutes looking at a home to buy – either virtually or in person – that is likely to be your new home for the next several years? Many home buyers do and end up regretting it. We’ve compiled our best tips on the things to look for when you are buying property A checklist of the things to look for when visiting a property.
When you buy a house, it’s likely to be your biggest purchase, and it’s crucial that you know what to be looking for when you visit a house. Knowing what to look out for when you’re looking at a home right from the beginning makes you more likely to find the right property to meet your requirements to the greatest extent. Plus you’ll be on the watch for any possible pitfalls. Here’s our list of things to be looking out for when looking at a home.
1. What are the things to be looking for while looking at a house Is there damp?
What to look for in a house you are buying? Watch out for the signs of damp. The primary indicators of damp are a mouldy smell along with flaky plaster and watermarked walls or ceilings. This might sound obvious, but when it comes to what to search for when visiting a house take a pay attention to the ceiling and around on the boards that skirt. A second clue could be that the room was recently renovated – maybe covering up any damp.
2. Is the structure solid?
Huge cracks are what you need to look out for when purchasing an apartment – however, you should anticipate to see some hairline cracks. Pay attention to the areas where extensions connect, the ends of the terrace walls, and bay windows, each of which could begin to bow or fall away from the rest of the home. It is essential to add this to the list of things to be looking for when visiting homes because you can inquire with the owner or an estate agent to explain it and then get a surveyor in to investigate later.
However, when it comes down to what to search at when buying a house, you only have to consider the things you are familiar with. However, having an assessment of your home will enable you to identify issues and what needs attention. So getting a survey may be worth the cost when they find issues that can be costly to correct.
3. How much storage space do you have?
In determining what to look for when buying a property, you must think about the practicalities of living there. Storage space is a valuable yet often neglected asset when you are exploring homes you might want to buy. Consider adding this to your list of what you should look for when looking at homes.
Where are you going to store your vacuum cleaner, towels, spare linen and boxes of clutter? Is there room for cupboards or shelves that you can build within? Particularly in newly constructed homes, storage space can be very limited.
4. Which direction is the house facing?
In winter, during a dark, cloudy day or night it can be hard to differentiate between a north and south facing garden or home – but in summer , it is possible to make the distinction between a house that is full of light and warmth, as opposed to one that’s dark and dreary. It is crucial to examine when it comes down to what to look out for when buying a property.
Don’t be afraid to take a compass with you for your houses for sale inspection – you might have one on your phone. Bifold doors are all the rage, you should be aware that in moments of sunshine the sun’s rays can make the room unbearably warm So, add this to the things you’re looking for when making a list of things to look for when buying a house and try to visit and spend some time in that room when the sun’s out.
5. Are the rooms big enough for your needs?
We’ve heard about new-build home developers putting smaller furniture in rooms in order to make them appear larger. Beware! If you’re wondering what to look for when viewing homes in the event that you aren’t purchasing all new furniture the moment moving in ask yourself is your furniture a good fit?
6. Are you being fooled by staging?
The clever placement of mirrors, the strategic lighting, delicious smells cozy fires, and fresh coats of paint are just a few techniques used by home sellers to make their home more appealing. It’s pleasant to feel like you can move straight into the home without doing a thing, but try to be objective. If their furnishings make the space, take photos and inquire about what they’re leaving to leave behind. Light fittings that are perfect, for example, may take an age to find and replace!
Include this on your list of what to look out for when visiting houses.
7. Do the window frames have cracking paint? Are the double-glazings in good condition?
One thing you should examine when purchasing an apartment is the condition of the frames for the windows on the outside. It is a reliable indicator of the state of the property – if you have made an investment into and cared for these frames, they are most likely to have taken excellent care of the rest. Therefore, this is essential when it comes to what to look for when you are looking at the house.
If you can effortlessly push your finger into wooden window frames, they are usually rotten. If there is condensation between double-glazed windows, this means they’re defective. Windows that are new must be installed by a registered certified inspector, so you must obtain an FENSA or similar certification, which usually come with guarantees. You should add this to your list of what you should look for when buying a house.
8. How old is the roof?
Removing the roof can be costly and modern roofing systems have a lifespan of between 15 and 20 years dependent on the material. Therefore, it is essential to think about this when you’re deciding the things to look for when you are looking at a home.
Also, if the property is built on a flat or flat roof, make sure to check the material it was sealed. Nowadays a membrane is used and is more effective than gravel or asphalt, which can leave seams and edges unsealed.
9. Are there enough power points and what condition are they in?
Dodgy wiring can be dangerous and wiring your new home could be a costly business. Check out the fuse board – often an indication of the state of the wiring, but a investigation will reveal if the wiring needs replacing. The availability of plug points is evidently a major selling point in our increasingly electronic world. It’s definitely are worth adding onto your listing of features to look for when looking at homes.
10. Things to check when viewing homes: Is the plumbing up to the task?
Run the taps to check the pressure of the water. Find out if the pipes have been well-insulated and are not lead which could require replacement. Do the radiators work? What’s the age of the boiler? The hot water tank located in the roof , it’s probably an older model, and might need to be replaced soon are various things to consider when you are buying a home.
And don’t just take the estate agent’s word as it to be all good. If you decide to purchase a property, it’s recommended to have a house survey completed.
11. Are the premises sound-proofed?
If the sellers have television or radio on, request that it be turned down to ensure that you can’t hear your neighbours’ every word. This is vital when it comes to what to look out for when you look at houses. It’s also good to arrange viewings for different time of the day.
12. When buying a house: What’s in the attic like?
People often ignore the attic however it is an essential component of the house and it should be on your list of things to look out for when you look at a house. How easy is it to access? Do you have enough storage space? Could it be turned into additional rooms? Do you have insulation? Are there any other things to look at when buying a house. This can greatly impact your expenses and overall comfort during winter.
13. Things to be aware of in a house purchase How is the neighborhood?
When it comes to what to look for when purchasing an apartment, it’s not only the property you’ll need to consider. It is also important to think about the neighborhood too. For instance:
Are you near a pub or bar or kebab shop that gets rowdy in the late night?
Are you able to walk from the shop to purchase a pint milk or do you have to drive?
Is it simple to reach public transport?
Are there any roads that are noisy or train tracks close by?
Are you on a flight route?
Are there local landfills in close proximity?
Are you in the vicinity of a school that makes it difficult to exit your car at school run time?
Are you located in a conservation zone?
Most importantly, does it feel like you could call it your own home? Google street view is a fantastic option to get around the city in the comfort of your home.
If you are interested in the property, schedule another appointment for an earlier time and look around the neighborhood a little more. If you’re able to, bring anyone with you who might be able to notice the things you may not have noticed.
Virtual viewing
There are many options available when it comes to virtual tours; they could be recorded or live tour conducted by the owner or agent. If it’s live, then take it slow, ask plenty of questions and make sure you ask for the insides of the cupboards and the fuseboard as well as the boiler. You will want to have a closer look at the window frames and take a look at the view from the window.
It can be difficult to grasp the area and the neighborhood and that’s why Google Street View can help. With Google Maps you can get a sense of the neighbourhood as well as how it has changed in the past.
Frequently Answered Questions
A typical house viewing takes about 30 minutes. You ought to have enough time to finish your checklist of what to look for when viewing a house. If you don’t have enough time, to ask any follow-up questions or book another viewing.
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