The process of buying a property is not just an easy transaction. In order to find the right home for your family, there are many things to keep in mind before you part of your hard-earned money, and the process of viewing is vitally important.
If you’re not sure what to look out for when buying the house you want, our guide will help you identify issues to be aware of – and may save you both cash and time. If you’re eager to begin, we’ll start with the first point:
Check ahead before you go to
Giving the roof a quick once over from street level is something that many people do not think about when looking at homes. Naturally, you’re not going to observe the roof from up close and personal, however, you’ll be able to spot if any tiles are missing – or worse!
You’ll also be able to determine if the roof appears like it’s brand new when you compare it with other properties. Newer roofs, when properly installed, are not just an ideal sign for getting rid of costly repairs, but they also can reduce the cost of insurance.
Watch out for tell-tale cracks
Although a survey can show significant issues but it’s possible to discover clues yourself, without the need to hire a surveyor before you need to. Be aware of large cracks in walls and ceilings, particularly around those areas that are under pressure or may shift away from the main section of the property.
Be sure to inspect bay windows close to extensions if they are present and the wall at the end of the patio If they are present, and the end of the terrace walls. Small cracks that are often known as hairline are normal, but bigger, more prominent gaps could indicate trouble, so make sure to take note of any that you see.
Paying for a surveyor may seem like a expense you should not have However, they can be worth their weight in gold, especially for older houses for sale Colne. For more information, take an look at our buyers guides to surveys.
Are there any indications of damp?
The prevention of damp is when possible, as the removal of it and fixing the damages caused by it can expensive. Be sure to use multiple senses while checking for damp. Don’t only look at your eyes. ensure that your nose is open, too. Sometimes the smell can reveal that it is damp before you notice it. Don’t ignore it at your own peril.
Visual clues can be obvious However, it’s important to take a close look at a room, both in the middle and at the top. The ceiling and skirting boards are usually where damp tends to first begin to show, so pay attention to these areas, specifically on walls facing the outside.
Don’t be deceived by the appearance of a small amount of paint
While a newly decorated home will always look better than a dull , dusty old space, it’s vital not to get swayed by it. Paint can often hide various sins and it’s worthwhile to consider the reason a space was recently decorated.
The structural and damp issues are concealed for a short time with the smallest of strokes and it’s something to keep to your mind when looking at. Although it’s possible to don the overalls yourself but a little bit of decoration is much more appealing than dealing with larger problems that might be hiding beneath the fresh application of the paint.
Make sure the plumbing is in good working order.
Any pipework you can find should be inspected for leaks and signs of water damage. Check your kitchen cupboards under the sink, and then run your hands over the pipes, making sure everything is fine. Older bathroomsalso may have some exposed pipes to glance at, so be sure to give them more than an uninitiated glance.Make inquiries about the condition and condition of the appliance, whether it’s been maintained regularly and is still covered by warranty. Newer boilers tend to include fewer moving components, so manufacturers have extended their warranties in many instances and it’s not uncommon to find boilers with guarantees for up to 7 years. So, it’s important to be aware of your position in relation to this important appliance.
Verify the drainage outside as well as any other pipework that is outside or taps, too. Check that everything is in good working order and that water doesn’t “pool” in the centre or the outside of the deck, should there be one. Check the guttering as well.
Examine the electrical system.
With increasing numbers of people making use of more and more gadgets and devices, electrical malfunctions are in fact, increasing. Old wiring can be dangerous and will cost you a lot to repair, so make sure you take a look at the wiring and power points you find when you’re exploring.
Fuse boards can also be an indicator of electrical systems age. Does it appear outdated to you? If it seems from another age, the chances are good that the wiring is well.
Does the property represent an energy money pit?
Heating costs are increasing every day, so it’s worth looking into the insulation in your home. An insulated home will make a huge difference to costs for energy as well as how comfortable you’ll be. Take a look in the attic to see if insulation has been laid and examine water pipes for lagging, all will help cut down on your monthly expenditures.
Double glazing can also help in preventing heat loss during the winter months. Have a look at the windows to see how modern they appear 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 we’d rather keep out the way, yet many do not think about the storage options available to a property during a viewing. Make certain that you have enough space in your cupboard for your needs since it’s almost impossible to expand it at a later date. The newer houses tend to have smaller spaces than older homes Be extra cautious when looking around a recently built home.
Listen up
Many older homes have poor quality soundproofing, especially terraced homes. Some crafty sellers will have a TV or radio that you can watch to mask next door neighbours’ noise. Request them to mind turning the sound down while you browse at.
North, East, South or West?
To determine which direction the house faces is important to remember, especially if you are viewing in the winter, when everything is slightly hazy. South-facing properties are able to enjoy more light than north facing ones, and also tend to be quite a bit warmer, also.
A bright, sunny room is far more appealing than a dim, dark one. So be sure to use your smartphone’s compasses when you’re viewing. Keep in mind that the sun is in west when it rises as it sets to the east making the west, south-westerly and south-facing gardens more favourable.
When you’re finished with the house, make sure to check out the surrounding area
It is essential to understand what’s around the home and also what’s inside it. If you’re new to the neighborhood, take a little time to investigate and look for any potentially problematic stuff. Is there a bar nearby which could draw people to your street late at night? What are the schools local to you? Are you able to get accessibility to public transport? What’s your road-side access like? Does the property back on railway tracks? Are there any shops that are within walking distance?
All of these things along with many more should be considered before you move to the next stage.