Would you spend just 20 minutes looking over houses for sale – whether online or in person – that’s going to be your home for the next several years? Some home buyers do – and then regret it. We’ve put together our most important tips for what to look for when purchasing a home — a checklist for the things to look for when you visit a property.
A house purchase is likely to be your biggest purchase, and it’s crucial that you are aware of what to be looking for when you visit a house. Knowing what to look out for when you’re looking at a home from the beginning means you’re more likely to find the right property to meet your requirements to the greatest extent. Plus you’ll be on the lookout for potential traps. This is our checklist of what to be looking out for when viewing a property.
1. What to look out for while looking at a house Is there damp?
What are the things to look out for when purchasing a home? Be on the lookout for signs of damp. The primary signs that indicate damp are a smelly or sour smell as well as flaky plaster and ceilings and walls with watermarks. This may sound easy, but when it comes to what to search at when you are looking at a home take a be attentive to the ceiling and in the area around on the boards that skirt. Another indicator could be if the room was recently repainted – possibly covering any damp.
2. Does the structure of the building have a solid foundation?
Huge cracks are what you need to look for when buying a house – but you should anticipate some hairline cracks. Check out the areas where extensions join, end-of-terrace walls and bay windows each of which could begin to fall or bow away from the rest of the home. It’s vital to include this on your list of things you should be looking for when you visit the house, as you could consult the owner and estate agents about the issue and later ask a surveyor investigate later.
When it comes to what to look for when purchasing a home, you are only able to look for what you are aware of. However, a house survey will enable you to identify issues and what needs attention. A survey can prove money well spent if they spot problems that are costly to repair.
3. How much storage space are you able to use?
In determining what to look for when buying a house you need to think about your needs in the house. Storage space is a valuable but often overlooked asset when contemplating homes to purchase. So add this to your list of what to look for when viewing homes.
Where do you store your vacuum cleaner towels, spare linen and boxes of rubbish? Are there enough cupboards or shelves that you can build into? Particularly in newly built homes storage space can be very limited.
4. Which direction is the house oriented?
In winter, during a evening or on a cloudy day it can be difficult to tell the difference between a north and south facing home or garden, However, in summer, it can be a difference between a home that is full of light and warmth, and one that’s frustratingly dark. This is something you must look for when deciding what to look out for when you are buying a home.
Don’t be shy about taking a compass with you when you go to view the property even if you have one stored on your phone. Bifold doors are all the rage, you should be aware that during the hottest times of the day, the solar gain could make the room unbearably warm and hot, so make this part of the things you’re looking for when making a list of things to look for when buying a house and try to visit and take some time in the room in the morning when the sun is out.
5. Are the rooms big enough to meet your requirements?
We’ve heard of house builders putting smaller furniture in rooms to make them seem larger. Beware! If you’re wondering what you should look for in a house, assuming you’re not buying all new furniture the moment moving in think about will your existing furniture fit?
6. Are you fooled by staged events?
Smartly placed mirrors, strategic lighting, delicious scents warm fires, and painting are all ways that sellers can enhance the appeal of their homes. It’s pleasant to feel like you’re able to move in without having to do a thing, but try to be objective. If their furnishings make the spacefeel unfinished, take pictures and ask them what they’re leaving in the space. Light fittings that are perfect, for instance, can be a long time to locate and replace!
Add this to your list of things to look for when you are looking at the house you are looking at.
7. Do the window frames have cracking paint? Do the double-glazings remain intact?
One thing you should look for when buying a house is the state of the frames for the windows on the outside. This is a good indicator of the condition of the house . If people have invested into and cared for the frames, they are likely to have taken excellent care of the other. So this is important when it comes to what you should look for when looking at the property.
If you can easily push your finger through a window frames, they’re typically rotten. If there’s condensation between double-glazed window-panes it means that they’re damaged. The windows must be installed by an approved inspector so you should be sure to get a FENSA or similar certificate, that usually comes with a guarantee. Make this a part of your checklist of the things you need to look out for when buying a house.
8. How old is the roof?
Replacing a roof is expensive, and newer roofing systems have a lifespan that is only 15 to 20 years subject to the type of material. Therefore, it is essential to think about this when deciding what to look for when looking at houses.
Additionally, if your home is built on a flat or flat roof, look at the materials that it is seals. Nowadays a membrane is used and is more effective than gravel and asphalt that may leave edges and seams unsealed.
9. Are enough power points available and in what is their condition?
The wiring that is not in good condition can be risky and rewiring your home could be a costly business. Be sure to check the fuse board . It’s usually an indication of the state of the wiring. A study will tell you if it needs replacing. Having enough plug points is evidently a major benefit in our technologically driven society, so it’s are worth adding onto your listing of what to look for when viewing houses.
10. Things to check when viewing a house Does the plumbing work to the mark?
Check the faucets to determine the pressure in the water. Ask if the pipes are properly insulated, and confirm that they aren’t lead that could require replacement. Are the radiators working? How old is the boiler? In the event that the tank for hot water is in the roof it is likely to be old, and may have to be replaced shortly. the things to be looking for when buying a property.
And don’t just take the estate agent’s word for it to be all good. If you decide to purchase a property, it’s advisable to arrange to have a house inspection conducted.
11. Are the premises sound-proofed?
If the seller has television or radio on, request that it be shut off so that you aren’t hearing your neighbours’ every word. This is essential when it comes to knowing what to look for when viewing houses. It’s also beneficial to arrange viewings for different time of the day.
12. When buying a home: What’s the attic like?
Most people don’t think much about the attic, but it is an essential component of the house and it must be included on your list of what you should look for when looking at the house. Is it easy to access? Do you have enough storage space? Can it be used to create additional rooms? Do you have insulation? Are there other factors to look for when purchasing a home. These can significantly impact your costs and overall satisfaction in the winter.
13. Things to look for in a house purchase What’s the neighborhood like?
If you’re wondering what to look for when purchasing an investment property, it’s more than just the property you’ll need to take into consideration. You also want to consider the location as well. For instance:
Are you near a pub or or kebab shop which turns rowdy during the late night?
Are you able to walk to the shops to buy a pint milk or do you need to drive?
Is it simple to reach public transport?
Are there noisy roads or train tracks nearby?
Are you on the flight track?
Is there a local dump in the smelling distance?
Are you located near the school that makes it difficult to get off your car during school run time?
Are you in a conservation area?
And , most important Do you feel that you could make it your home? Google streetview is an excellent option to get around the city within the comfort of your own home.
If you do like the property, you can schedule another visit at a different time of day, and scout out the area more. If you’re able, take someone along who could be able of noticing things you might not.
Virtual viewing
There are various options when it comes to virtual tours. They can be pre-recorded or a live tour that is conducted with the owner or agent. If it is a live session then go slow, ask lots of questions. Make sure you request to view the inside of the cabinets along with the fuse board as well as the boiler. You’ll want to take a close look at the window frames as well as look at the view of the outside from your window.
It can be difficult to understand your location and neighborhood and that’s why Google Street View can help. When you access it through Google Maps you can get an understanding of the neighborhood and also how it has changed in the past.
Frequently Answered Questions
A typical house tour lasts about 30 minutes. You ought to have enough time to complete your checklist of what you should look at when looking at a house. If you don’t have enough time, you could ask follow-up questions or request a second viewing.
