Buying a new property is more than the usual transaction. In order to locate the right home to you and your family there are a lot of factors you need to bear in mind prior to parting of your hard-earned money, and the process of viewing is essential.
If you’re unsure of what you should look for when buying a home, our easy guide will help highlight issues to be aware of – and may save you both in time as well as money. If you’re eager to begin, let’s begin with point number one:
Check ahead before you go in
Giving the roof a quick glance over from the street is something that many people don’t think of when looking at houses for sale Colne. Obviously, you’re likely to not be able to see the roof close to the roof, but you will be able to see if any tiles are missing, or worse!
Also, you can determine if the roof appears like it’s brand new when you compare it with other homes. Roofs that are newer, when they’re properly installed, are not just an excellent sign when it comes to getting rid of costly repairs, but they also help reduce the cost of insurance, too.
Be on the lookout for obvious cracks
While a survey may show the most serious issues but it’s possible to discover clues yourself, without the need to shell out for surveyors before you have to. Look out for big cracks that appear in walls and ceilings, especially around areas that will come under pressure or could move away from the main part of the property.
Take a look at bay windows, near any extensions, when they’re in use, and end-of-terrace walls if applicable. Small cracks, often known as hairline are common, however bigger, more prominent gaps could be an indication of problems, so be aware of any gaps you might notice.
It may seem like an expense you could cut out but they could be worth their weight in gold, particularly for older homes. To learn more, take an look at our buyers survey guide.
Any signs of damp?
Avoiding damp whenever possible, as removing it, and repairing any damages caused by it can be a costly undertaking. Be sure to use multiple senses while checking for damp; don’t just look at your eyes. ensure that your nose is open, as well. Sometimes the smell can conceal any hint of moisture before you see it. You should not ignore it.
The visual clues could be apparent It is nevertheless important to pay attention to rooms, both at the top and bottom. Ceilings and skirting boards are often where damp will first appear, so be sure to pay attention to these areas, especially on walls facing the outside.
Don’t fall for an ounce of paint
Though a home that has been freshly painted will always be more attractive as compared to a dirty and dull old room, it’s important not to be swayed by the appearance. Paint is often used to hide various sins therefore it’s worth questioning why a room has recently been decorated.
Both damp and structural issues could be concealed for a time by just a little bit of paint It’s important to keep this in mind when viewing. Although you may prefer not to don the overalls yourself but a little bit of decoration is more appealing than confronting the larger issues that may be lurking behind the fresh layer of painting.
Examine the plumbing
Every pipework that you see should be checked for signs of leaks and water damage. Look inside the kitchen cabinets under the sink. Run your hands through the pipes, making sure everything is fine. Bathrooms that are older may have some exposed pipes to glance at, so be sure to give the pipes more than an uninitiated glance.Make inquiries about the age and condition of the appliance, whether it’s been maintained regularly and is still covered by warranty. The latest boilers usually contain fewer moving parts which is why manufacturers have extended their warranty in many cases and it’s now not unusual to find boilers with warranties of up to seven years. Therefore, it’s always good to know what you’re getting in relation to this important appliance.
Make sure you check the drainage in the outside area and any other external pipework or taps too. Be sure that everything is good working order and the water does not ‘pool’ in the middle in the area, if there’s one. Give the guttering a look as well.
Inspect the electrics
With increasing numbers of people making use of more and more gadgets and devices, electrical malfunctions are often, becoming more common. Old wiring can be dangerous and will cost you a lot to fix, so be sure to examine the wiring and power points you find when you are looking around.
Also, fuse boards can be an indication of electrical system’s age. Does it look outdated to you? If it looks something from a different time, the chances are good that the wiring is well.
Is the house a money pit?
Heating bills are increasing every day, so it’s worth looking into the insulation you have within your home. A properly insulated property can have a dramatic effect on the cost of energy and how comfortable you’ll be. Check the attic to determine if insulation has been laid and look for water pipes that are lagging, all will help to reduce the monthly costs.
Double glazing can also help prevent heat escaping during the winter times. Have a look at the windows to determine how modern they are , and whether or not they are going to need replacing in the not too distant future.
Do you have enough storage?
There’s always something that we’d rather not have in view, yet many do not think about the storage options in the house they’re viewing. Check to see if you have enough space in your cupboard for your needs as it’s often impossible to add more at the time of purchase. Modern homes are generally smaller spaces than older homes, so be extra careful when you’re looking around a newly built home.
Listen up
A lot of older homes lack soundproofing. This is especially true for terraced homes. Some sellers will have a television or radio on while your viewing in order to mask the neighbor’s noise. If you ask them politely, they’ll mind turning the sound down while you look around.
North, East, South or West?
You should check which direction the property faces is important to be aware of, particularly when looking in the winter when everything seems slightly hazy. South facing homes enjoy far more light than north facing ones, and also tend to be quite a bit warmer, also.
A room that is bright and light is much more attractive than a dim, dark one, so be sure to take out your smartphone’s compass while looking. Also, remember that the sun is in west when it rises and sets in the east, which makes west, south-westerly, and south-facing gardens more attractive.
Once you’re done with the home, take a look around the surrounding area
It’s essential to know what’s in the house and also what’s inside it. If you’re new to the neighborhood it is important to take some time to investigate and look for any potentially problematic stuff. Are there any bars nearby that can bring people onto your street after dark? What is the school in the area? Are you able to get accessibility to public transport? What’s the access to roads like? Does the property back on train tracks? Are there any shops within walking distance?
These things along with many more should be taken into account before you move to the next step.
