Are you willing to spend 20 minutes looking at properties 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 collected our most important tips for the things to look for when buying property and a checklist of what to look for when viewing a property.
The purchase of a home is likely to be the biggest financial decision so it’s vital you know what you should be looking for when you visit homes. Knowing what to look for when viewing a house at the start makes you more likely to find the perfect property for your needs best. Also, you’ll be on alert for any potential pitfalls. Here’s our list of things to look out for when you’re looking at properties.
1. What should you look for when visiting a house: Do you notice damp?
What to look for when buying a home? Be on the lookout for indicators of damp. The primary indicators of damp are a mouldy smell along with flaky plaster and ceilings that have water marks. It may seem simple, but when it comes to what to search for when visiting a house take a look closely near the ceiling as well as around your skirting boards. Another clue might be if the room was recently redone – or perhaps covered with damp.
2. Does the structure of the building have a solid foundation?
Large cracks are the things to be looking for when purchasing the house, but you should be prepared for to see some hairline cracks. Pay attention to the places where extensions meet, at the end of terrace walls and bay windows, each of which could begin to bow or fall away from the rest of the home. It’s essential to include this on the list of things to look for when looking at a house because you can inquire with the owner and estate agents about the issue, and then get a surveyor in to look into it later.
But when it comes to what to search for when buying a home you are only able to look for what you know; having A house survey can aid you in identifying risks and know what needs attention. A survey can prove to be a good investment should they discover things that may cost a lot to address.
3. How many storage spaces are there?
When you are considering what to look for when buying a house it is important to consider how you can live there. Storage space is a useful yet often neglected asset when considering homes to buy. Consider adding this to your list of things to look for in a house.
Where will you keep your vacuum cleaner and towels, spare bedding and boxes of rubbish? Are there enough cupboards or shelves to build in? Particularly in new homes storage space can be very limited.
4. Which way does the house face?
When it is winter, evening or on a cloudy day it can be hard to discern the difference between a south and a north facing garden or home – but in summer it can determine the distinction between a house that is full of light and warmth, and one that’s dark and dreary. This is something you must be aware of when it comes to what to look out for when you are buying a home.
Don’t be shy about taking your compass along to the property viewing You may have one in your phone. With bi-fold doors all the rage, be aware that in sunny days the solar gain can make the room unbearably warm, so add this to your things to look for when buying a house checklist and try to visit and spend some time in that room in the morning when the sun is out.
5. Are the rooms big enough to accommodate your needs?
There are reports of new construction homes being designed by developers who put smaller furniture in rooms to make them seem bigger. Beware! If you’re wondering what to look for when viewing houses, assuming you’re not buying new furniture when the house is completed, ask yourself what furniture you have already got?
6. Have you been misled by staging?
Cleverly placed mirrors, strategic lighting, delicious scents cosy fires, and fresh coats of paint are just a few ways that sellers can improve the look of their home. It’s pleasant to feel like you can move straight in without having to do something, but try to remain objective. If their furnishings make the room feel cluttered, snap photos and inquire about what they’re leaving to be left behind. Light fittings that are perfect, for example, can take years to locate and replace!
Make this a part of your list of things to look for when viewing a house.
7. Do the window frames have cracked paint? Do you have double-glazing that is present?
One thing you should examine when purchasing an investment property is the condition of the exterior window frames. This is a good indicator of the condition of the house . If people have invested in and looked after those, they are likely to have taken great care of the other. This is why it is crucial when it comes to what to look for when viewing a house.
If you can effortlessly push your finger through a windows, they are typically decayed. If you notice condensation between double-glazed window-panes it means that they’re damaged. Windows must be installed by a registered approved inspector . You should get a FENSA or similar certification, which usually come with guarantees. You should add this to your list of what you should look for when purchasing a home.
8. How old is the roof?
Replacing your roof is an expensive business and the latest roofs have a life expectancy of only 15-20 years, dependent on the material. So , you must take into consideration this when it comes to what to look out for when you are looking at a home.
If the home has a flat or flat roof, take a look at the material that was sealed. Nowadays a membrane is used and is much better than asphalt and gravel, which can leave seams and edges unsealed.
9. Are enough power points available and in what condition are they in?
A faulty wiring system can be hazardous Rewiring your new house can be a costly business. Check out the fuse board . It is often it is a sign of the condition of the wiring but a study will tell you if it requires replacement. The availability of plug points is an apparent benefit in our electronic world. It’s definitely are worth adding onto your listing of what you should look for when visiting homes.
10. Things to look for when looking at houses for sale: Does the plumbing work to the task?
Test the taps by running them to test the pressure of water. Check if the pipes are insulated, and ensure they aren’t lead that will need to be replaced. Are the radiators working? What’s the age of the boiler? In the event that the tank for hot water is in the roof it is probably an old one, and will need to be replaced in the near future. all things to look for when buying a house.
And don’t just take the estate agent’s word for that it’s all fine. If you purchase a home, it’s best for a survey of your house completed.
11. Is the property adequately sound-proofed?
If the sellers have television or radio on, you can request it to be decreased so that you won’t be able to hear your neighbours’ every word. This is crucial when it comes to knowing what to look out for when you look at the house. It’s also a good idea to have viewings at different times of day.
12. What to check when buying a house: What’s in the attic like?
People often ignore the attic as a place to store their stuff, yet it’s an essential part of the house , and should be on your list of what to look out for when you look at the house. How easy is it to access? Is there much storage space? Could it be converted into extra rooms? Is there insulation? Are there any other things to look for when purchasing a home. The latter can significantly impact your expenses and overall satisfaction during winter.
13. Things to be aware of when buying a house How is the neighborhood?
When it comes to what to consider when buying an investment property, it’s more than just the property you’ll have to think about. It is also important to think about the location as well. For example:
Are you close to a pub or kebab shop, or bar that turns rowdy in evening?
Are you able to walk from the shop to get a pint of milk Do you have to drive?
Is it easy to get to public transport?
Are there any roads that are noisy or train tracks close by?
Are you underneath the flight way?
Is there a local dump within close proximity?
Are you in the vicinity of the school that makes it impossible to leave your car at school run time?
Are you in a conservation area?
And most importantly, does it feel like you could have it as your own home? Google streetview is a wonderful method of exploring the area from the comfort of your home.
If you’re interested in a property, arrange an additional viewing at a different time of day, and scout out the local area a bit more. If you can, take someone with you who may be able to spot things you might not.
Virtual viewing
There are several options when it comes to virtual tours; they could be recorded or live tour with the owner or agent. If it’s a live session then go slow, ask lots of questions and make sure you request to view the inside of cupboards along with the fuse board as well as the boiler. You should inspect the window frames and look at the views of the outside from your window.
It will be tricky to grasp your location and neighborhood This is where Google Street View can assist. Accessed via Google Maps you can get an idea of the area and how it has changed over time.
Frequently Answered Questions
A typcial house viewing lasts approximately 30 minutes. Therefore, you should be able to complete your checklist of what you should look at when looking at a house. If you’re running out of time, to ask any follow-up inquiries or arrange for a different viewing.
House Buying Checklist
