Have you ever spent just 20 minutes looking over a house for purchase, either virtual or in person, that is going to be your house for the next several years? Many home buyers do and end up regretting it. We’ve collected our most important tips for what to look out for when buying property as well as a checklist for the things to look for when you visit a property.
Buying a house is most likely to be your biggest financial decision , therefore it is essential that you know what to look for when viewing the house. Knowing what to look out for when looking at houses from the outset means your more likely to find the right property to meet your requirements best. Also, you’ll be on watch for any possible pitfalls. Here’s our list of things to be looking out for when visiting a property.
1. What are the things to be looking for when you visit a home: Are there any damp issues?
What to look for when buying a house? Pay attention to signs of damp. The main giveaway signs of damp are a smelly or sour smell along with flaky plaster and ceilings and walls with watermarks. It sounds obvious, but when it is time to determine what to look for when viewing a house be sure to look closely near the ceiling as well as around those skirting boards. A second clue could be that the room has recently been repainted – possibly covering any damp.
2. Is the structure solid?
Large cracks are the things to look out for when purchasing an apartment – however, you should be prepared for some hairline cracks. Particularly, look for areas the areas where extensions connect, the ends of the terrace walls and bay windows these can all start to fall or bow away from the rest of the home. It’s important to add this to your list of things to look for when viewing homes because you can inquire with the owner or estate agent about it and then get a surveyor in to look into it later.
However, when it comes to the things to look for when buying a house it is only what you already know. Having A house survey can help you spot dangers and determine what requires attention. A survey can be worthwhile in the event that they uncover issues that can be costly to correct.
3. How many storage spaces are there?
When you are considering what you should look for when you are buying a house, you must think about how you can live in the house. Storage space is a crucial but often undervalued asset when contemplating homes to buy. Consider adding this to your list of things you’re looking for when visiting a house.
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 into? Particularly in new homes storage space may be limited.
4. Which way is the house oriented?
In winter, on a cloudy day or at night it can be difficult to discern the difference between a south or north facing house or garden – however, in summer, it could tell the distinction between a house that is bright and warmth, as opposed to one that is frustratingly dark. And this is important to look for when deciding what to look out for when buying a house.
Don’t be reluctant to bring your compass along to your home viewing – you might possess one on your smartphone. With bi-fold doors being all in fashion, it is important to be aware that in sunny days the sun’s rays can cause the room to be extremely hot Add this to your items to consider when purchasing a home checklist and then try to take some time in the room when the sun’s out.
5. Are the rooms large enough to accommodate your needs?
We’ve heard of homes being designed by developers who put smaller furniture into rooms to make them appear bigger. Beware! So when it comes to what you should look for in houses, assuming you’re not purchasing all new furniture when you move in, ask yourself is your furniture a good fit?
6. Are you fooled by staging?
Smartly placed mirrors, strategic lighting, delicious smells, cosy fires, and fresh coats of paint are just a few tricks sellers use to make their home more appealing. It’s pleasant to feel like you can move straight into your new home without having to do a thing, but try to remain neutral. If their furniture is a problem for the spacefeel unfinished, take pictures and ask them what they’re leaving in the space. Ideal light fittings, as an example, may be a long time to locate and replace!
Add this to your list of what to look for when viewing the house you are looking at.
7. Do the frames of your windows have cracks in the paint? Is the double-glazing present?
One thing you should examine when purchasing a house is the state of the exterior window frames. This is an excellent indicator of the overall condition of the house . If homeowners have invested in and maintained those, they are likely to have taken great care of the rest. Therefore, this is essential in determining what to look for when you are looking at a house.
If you can push your finger inside a wooden window frames, they’re usually rotten. If there is condensation in double-glazed window-panes it means that they’re not working properly. Windows that are new must be installed by an approved inspector . Therefore, you need to get a FENSA or similar certificate which often come with guarantees. Include this on 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 roofs last that is only 15 to 20 years depending on the materials. So it’s vital you consider this when it comes to what you should look for when viewing a house.
If the home has a flat or nearly flat roof, make sure to check the material that was seals. These days, membranes are utilized and is much better than asphalt and gravel, which could leave seams and edges unsealed.
9. Are sufficient power points in place and what is their condition?
Unsafe wiring could be dangerous and rewiring your home could be a costly business. Check out the fuse board . It’s usually indicates the condition of the wiring. A investigation will reveal if the wiring needs replacing. Having enough plug points is an apparent attraction in today’s technology-driven world, and is you should add it the list to features to look out for when you are looking at a house.
10. Things to consider when you are looking at a house Does the plumbing work to par?
Test the taps by running them to test the pressure of the water. Make sure the pipes are well-insulated and do not contain lead, which will need to be replaced. Do the radiators actually work? What is the age of the boiler? If the hot water tank is situated on the roof, it’s probably an older model, and will need to be replaced soon are all things to look for when purchasing a home.
Don’t take the estate agent’s word as it to be all good. If you purchase a home, it is recommended for a survey of your house completed.
11. Is the home sound-proofed to the highest standard?
If the sellers have the radio or television on request that it be turned down to ensure that you don’t hear the words of your neighbors. This is crucial when it comes to what you should look for when viewing homes. It’s also a good idea to schedule viewings at different times of the day.
12. Things to look out for when buying a home: What’s the attic like?
Many people do not think about the attic It is an essential component of the house and it should be on your list of what to look out for when you look at the house. What is the ease of access? Are there ample storage space? Can it be used to create extra rooms? Do you have insulation? Are all things to look for when buying a new home. The latter can make a huge difference to your expenses and overall satisfaction in winter.
13. Things to look out for when buying a house: What’s the area like?
When it comes to the things to look for when purchasing a house it’s not just the house you’ll have to consider. It is also important to think about the location as well. For example:
Are you close to a pub or bar or kebab shop which turns rowdy during the evening?
Can you walk to shops for a pint of milk Do you have to drive?
Is it simple to access public transportation?
Are there any roads that are noisy or railway tracks in the vicinity?
Are you on an air path?
Do you know of a dump in smelling distance?
Are you near an institution that makes it impossible to get out of your drive at school run time?
Are you in a conservation area?
And , most importantly do you feel as if you could make it your own home? Google street view can be a great way to explore the area within the comfort at home.
If you like a property, arrange another visit at an alternate time, and scout out the local area a bit more. If you’re able to, bring somebody with you who might be able to spot the things you may not have noticed.
Virtual viewing
There are several options in the realm of virtual tours. They can be recorded or live tour conducted by the owner or agent. If it is an actual live tour, take it slow, ask plenty of questions. Ensure that you ask to see the inside of cupboards, the fuse board and the boiler. You should inspect the window frames as well as look at the view out of your windows.
It can be difficult to get a sense of your location and neighborhood which is why Google Street View can be of assistance. With Google Maps you can get an overview of the area and how it has changed over time.
Frequently Answered Questions
A typical house viewing takes about 30 minutes. You should have long enough to complete your checklist of what to look at when looking at houses for sale. If you’re not able to complete the task, you may ask follow-up inquiries or arrange for a different viewing.
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