10 things to look for when viewing a house!
We know that with the costs of living rising viewing a house is even more daunting than usual, especially if you're not sure what to look for so we've put together 10 tips on what to look for when you view a home
If you're worried about hidden costs when buying a home we've put together our top tips on what to look for when you view a house. Knowing about any potential repairs and costs before you commit to a house is the best way to minimise stress and stick to a budget.
1 - Do you like the area?
It could be the most perfect house in the world but if you're not sold on the area it's going to make it difficult to stay put for very long. Sometimes it's just too far of a commute for work or school or it's just not the right place for you. Making sure you are familiar and happy with the area the property in is the first check-box when looking to buy.
2 - Are the Neighbours nice?
Neighbour issues can be one of the top reasons people move home. Not getting on with your neighbours can definitely be tricky. Having a good relationship with your neighbour has unlimited parcel-taking-in and sugar-borrowing advantages. If you can suss out the neighbours before putting in your offer, it's sure to make moving in next door easier.
Boundaries can also often be a point of tension. It's a good idea to find out which boundaries you'd be responsible for, if there are any shared boundaries and check how well they are maintained.
3 - Signs of damp - you will need to budget for damp works.
Damp work can seem overwhelming if you are new in the property game but most damp work is do-able if you have money allocated in your budget. If it's not picked up on the viewing, it can be an unwelcome and costly surprise when you get your survey findings. Common signs of damp are;
- A distinctive musty smell
- Visible mould or mildew on walls, floors or ceilings
- Walls, floors or ceilings that feel cold or wet
- Dark or discoloured patches on walls or plaster
It's important not to confuse damp with black spot mould which is often caused by poor ventilation.
4 - Doors and windows - will they need replacing?
It's a good idea to make sure all the doors and windows open and close properly on a viewing. As with damp they don't have to be a deal-breaker as long as you have included any replacements into your budget.
Blown double glazing often looks unsightly but can be an easy fix with contractors sometimes being able to replace the pane without having new frames.
5 - Flooring - any repairs needed?
Another budget consideration might be flooring. Are you happy with the current flooring? Are there cracks in the tiles? Is the carpet pre-historic? Are there floorboards underneath that you could live with or will you want new carpets throughout as soon as you move in?
6 - Radiators - is there enough? Do they need replacing?
Are there enough radiators to adequately heat the entire house? Cold rooms don't just make you reach for another jumper, the house being under-heated can cause unwanted problems like damp or black spot-mould.
7 - EPC rating - how energy efficient is the property?
To sell a house it legally has to have an up to date EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) this will tell you how effective the house is at retaining heat and how much it takes to heat it in the first place. Houses might have a poor EPC rating for a number of reasons, it could be an outdated heating system, poor insulation or sometimes it's things that can't be helped like single glazed windows with a listing.
Due in part to the current energy crisis there are a number of 'warm home' schemes and grants available that are worth researching when looking at places to buy.
8 - Have a look at the gas/electric and recent services/certificates if available.
If a property has a gas connection you should find out where the gas meter is located and where the gas connects into the property, not only for safety reasons but also if you're considering any changes to the heating system.
Has the boiler been recently serviced? A new boiler can be a big expense so checking it's in good working order can save unexpected costs.
It's always worth asking when the electrics were last updated, if the vendor is unsure, you can always consult an electrician who should be able to give you a rough idea from looking at the fuse box.
9 - Turn on a tap - check the water pressure.
No one likes poor water pressure and it's a quick and easy check you can do yourself in a few seconds. Have a look at the showers, are they electric or do they run off the gas? It's always handy to know in a power cut.
How is the water heated? Does the property have a combi boiler or is there an immersion heater tucked away?
10 - Roof and gutters - do they need attention?
Often on viewings people can be so focused on the interior of the property that they miss potential issues on the outside. We'd recommend you visually inspect the roof, guttering, downpipes and fascia boards. If you have concerns you can arrange an inspection with a builder to understand what might need doing.
These are ten quick checks you can make when you first view a property. We'd always recommend having a surveyor perform a survey on the property as part of the purchasing process to highlight any underlying issues.