Buying a new property is a huge deal. It is a considerable investment that requires a lot of time, money, and effort. While viewing houses and attending open houses might look dreamy on reality TV, that isn’t the case in real life. Before you set your heart on a particular property, there are quite a few things that you need to look out for. While your estate agents in Aylesbury or Manchester might show you the best houses on the market, here are the most important things that you need to look out when viewing a property.
How’s the lighting?
Where does the property face? No, this isn’t some astrological thing that you need to consider. The difference between a house that faces south and a house that faces north is the natural lighting! You want to invest in a property that allows a lot of natural light to come in, especially during winters. Otherwise, your electricity bill will be through the roof!
Look out for fresh paint
No, this doesn’t mean a coat of fresh paint that the homeowners have used to make the house look cleaner and newer. You need to look out for random spots of fresh paint. Most likely, this small patch of paint has been used to cover something up or fix some damage temporarily. If you notice any strange cover-ups, find out what work was done there.
Check for dampness
The last thing you want is to buy a house that has any dampness issues. Usually, peeling wallpaper, cracks or moulds, mildew on the walls, and a damp smell are all signs of dampness. This can eventually lead to fungal decay, water damage, woodworm, and other issues which can cause serious health problems.
Know the size of the room
Interior decorators and creative sellers often use small furniture, natural lighting, and open spaces to make the room look bigger than it is. You don’t want to purchase the house and walk into it, feeling that this property is much smaller than you thought it was. So, instead of believing what you see, use a measuring tape and check the size of the room for yourself.
Inspect the bathroom
Flush pot. Turn the tap on and off. Check the shower and water pressure. Make sure that there is no evident plumbing issue – low pressure, leaky faucets, broken shower heads, and clogged sinks. In the long run, plumbing issues can be a significant cause for concern, so it is better to get ahead of the subject by inspecting the bathroom thoroughly.
Where’s the storage space?
Check the wardrobes – is there enough space for everyone? Then check for any extra storage – this could include wall cabinets, kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, and even hidden storage. You need to make sure there is enough space for everything you own and need.
Check the trees outside
Most buyers and home inspectors don’t notice the trees outside as they are technically not part of the home. But, you need to keep in mind that trees can be considered a risk factor as they can catch fire, disrupt power lines if the branches fall, damage the property if they fall during storms, and many other such things. Getting trees removed in dense areas can be quite costly, so this is something you need to keep in mind for the long run.
Know the neighborhood
Before you even decide to view the property, drive by the property to get a feel of the neighbourhood. What are the next-door neighbours like? Is it a safe neighborhood? What is the community like? What are the roads like? Are there any supermarkets close by? What’s the closest public transport? What’s the neighbourhood like at night? You need to approve of the area before you even check out the property.
What is the condition of the house?
Does the house look old and worn? Have the owners used new furnishings and a new paint job to make an old property look newer? How dull do the floorboards look? Is the roof up to date? Are there any cracks on the wall? Will the kitchen need to be re-modelled? You need to understand how much fixing this property requires and then consider how much you are willing to spend to renovate the place.
Ensure fool-proof security
Are the boundary walls low enough for a person to jump over? Do the streets have CCTV cameras? Is there an alarm system or a security system that comes with the house? Does this area have a neighbourhood watch concept? Security should be your number one concern. So, make sure that you do your due diligence when it comes to safety.
Check the basement
Usually, the basement is where you might find water damage, termite infestation or black mould. If you don’t know what indicators to look for, hire a home inspector who will check to make sure there are no such issues with the property.
