Do you think it is worth spending just 20 minutes viewing a property for purchase, either virtual or in person, that is likely to be your new home for the next several years? A few home buyers do and live to regret it. We’ve put together our most important tips for the things to look for when purchasing property A checklist of what to look out for when visiting a property.
When you buy a house, it’s likely to be your biggest financial investment, so it’s essential you know what you should be looking for when you visit a house. Knowing what you should look for when looking at houses at the start makes you more likely to locate a property that suits your requirements the best. Also, you’ll be on watch for any possible pitfalls. This is our checklist of what to be aware of when you’re looking at properties.
1. What are the things to be looking for while looking at a house Do you see damp?
What should you look for when purchasing a home? Be on the lookout for the signs of damp. The most obvious signs of damp are a smelly or sour smell as well as flaky plaster and ceilings that have water marks. It sounds obvious, but when it is about what to look for when visiting a house ensure that you pay attention to the ceiling and in the area around your skirting boards. A second clue could be that the room was recently redone – or perhaps covered with damp.
2. Is the structure sound?
Cracks that are large are what you should look out for when purchasing an investment property, but it is normal to expect to see some hairline cracks. Particularly, look for areas the areas where extensions connect, the ends of the terrace walls, and bay windows, they can all begin to fall or bow away from the other parts of the house. It’s important to add this to your list of things you should be looking for when visiting a house because you can inquire with the owner or an estate agent to explain it, and then ask a surveyor to investigate later.
However, when it comes to what to search for when buying a home you are only able to look for what you know; having an assessment of your home will help you spot risks and know what needs attention. Therefore, having a survey could prove money well spent when they find problems that are costly to address.
3. How much storage space do you have?
In determining what to look out for when purchasing a home, you need to think about how you can live in the house. Storage space is a valuable but often undervalued asset when contemplating homes to purchase. Consider adding this to your list of things to look for when viewing the house you are considering buying.
What are the best places to keep your vacuum cleaner towels, spare linen, and boxes of junk? Are there enough cupboards or shelves that you can build within? Particularly in new homes, storage space can be very limited.
4. Which way does the house face?
When it is winter, cloudy day or at night it can be difficult to distinguish between a north and south facing garden or home – but in summer it can determine the difference between a home that is bright and warmth, as opposed to one that’s a bit dark. And this is important to check when it comes to what you should look for when buying a property.
Don’t be shy about taking your compass along for your property inspection and you may already have one stored on your phone. Bifold doors are all the rage, be aware that during the hottest times of the day, the solar gain could cause the room to become extremely warm Add this to your things to look for when buying a house checklist and try to visit and enjoy the room during the day when the sun is shining.
5. Are the rooms large enough for your needs?
We’ve heard of new build homeowners putting smaller furniture into rooms to make them appear bigger. Be warned! When it comes to what to look for in houses and assuming that you’re not buying all new furniture when moving in consider asking yourself whether your current furniture will work?
6. Are you fooled by staging?
Strategically placed mirrors, cleverly placed mirrors lighting, delicious scents, warm fires, and clean coats of paint are a few tricks sellers use to enhance the appeal of their homes. It’s nice to feel you can move straight in without having to do any work, but it’s best to remain in the present. If their furnishings make the spacefeel unfinished, take pictures and ask them what they’re leaving to leave behind. Perfect light fittings, for instance, can take a while to locate and replace!
Add this to your list of what you should look for when looking at the house you are looking at.
7. Do the frames of your windows have cracks in the paint? Do the double-glazings remain present?
One thing you should look for when buying one is the condition of the window frames that are outside. This is a great indicator of the overall condition of the property – if you have made an investment in and taken care of them, they are more likely to have taken excellent care of the rest. This is why it is crucial when it comes down to what to look for when viewing houses.
If you can push your finger into a wooden window frame, they are generally rotten. If there is condensation in windows with double glazing, it is a sign that they’re damaged. Windows must be installed by a registered approved inspector . You should obtain an FENSA or similar certification, that usually comes with a guarantee. Include this on your list of the things you need to look out for when buying a house.
8. How old is the roof?
The replacement of a roof is costly and the latest roofing systems have a lifespan of just 15-20 years dependent on the material. So it’s vital you consider this when it comes to the things to look for when looking over a house.
If your property is built on a flat or flat roof, check out the material with which it seals. Today, membranes are used and is more effective than gravel and asphalt that could leave seams and edges unsealed.
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9. Are enough power points available and in what condition are they in?
Dodgy wiring can be dangerous and rewiring your home could be a costly business. Also check out the fuse panel – usually an indicator of the condition of the wiring. However, a study will tell you if it needs replacing. Having enough plug points is apparently a big attraction in today’s technology-driven world, and is you should add it onto your listing of what you should look for when visiting a house.
10. Things to check when viewing a home Does the plumbing work to the mark?
Check the faucets to determine the pressure of the water. Check if the pipes are well-insulated and aren’t lead that needs to be replaced. Are the radiators functioning? How old is the boiler? If the hot water tank is located in the roof , it’s likely to be an old model and might need to be replaced soon are some things to look out for when you are buying a home.
Don’t just accept the estate agent’s word for it , as it may not be true. If you purchase a home, it’s advisable to arrange for a survey of your house completed.
11. Does the house have adequate soundproofing?
If the seller has the television or radio on request that it be decreased so that you aren’t hearing the neighbours’ every word. This is crucial when it comes to what to look out for when you look at a house. It’s also good to schedule viewings at different timings of the day.
12. When buying a home: What’s the attic like?
Many people do not think about the attic as a place to store their stuff, yet it’s an essential component of the house and it must be included on your list of things to look for when viewing the property. What is the ease of access? Is there much storage space? Could it be converted into additional rooms? Do you have insulation? Are there insulation issues? for when purchasing a home. The latter could make a huge difference to your costs and overall quality of life during winter.
13. Things to consider when buying a house How is the neighborhood?
If you’re wondering what to look for in an apartment, it’s not only the property that you need to consider. You also want to consider the area too. For instance:
Are you close to a pub or or kebab shop that becomes rowdy in the evening?
Can you walk to shops to purchase a pint milk, or do you have to drive?
Is it easy for you to get public transport?
Are there any roads that are noisy or train tracks close by?
Are you underneath an air path?
Is there a local dump in smelling distance?
Are you near one of the schools that make it difficult to get off your drive at school run time?
Are you in a conservation zone?
And , most importantly is it a place that feels like you could make it your home? Google Street View is a wonderful method to discover the region from the comfort of your home.
If you do like the property, schedule an additional viewing at an alternate time and explore the local area a bit more. If you are able, bring someone along who could be able to see things you might not.
Virtual viewing
There are many options available for virtual viewings; they can be recorded beforehand or live tour conducted by the owner or agent. If it’s an actual live tour, take it slow, ask lots of questions. Also, make sure you ask to see the insides of the cupboards and the fuseboard as well as the boiler. You will want to inspect the window frames and look at the views out of your windows.
It will be tricky to gain a clear picture of the location and the neighbourhood, that’s where Google Street View will help. Through Google Maps you can get an understanding of the neighborhood and how it’s changed in the past.
Frequently asked questions
A typical house tour lasts approximately 30 minutes. Therefore, you will have time to go through your list of what to look for when visiting a house. If you’re not able to complete the task, you could ask follow-up inquiries or arrange for a different viewing.