The process of buying a property is more than the usual transaction. To locate the ideal home for your family and you, there are lots of things that you must keep in mind prior to parting of your hard-earned money, and the viewing stage is vitally important.
If you’re not sure of what to look for when buying an apartment, our helpful guide will provide you with points of concern. It may save you both in time as well as money. So, if you’re looking to get started, we’ll begin with point number one:
Be sure to look ahead before going in
Give the roofing a short glance over from street level is something that many people don’t think of when looking at properties. Obviously, you’re likely to not be able to observe the roof from up close and personal, however, you’ll be able to see if any tiles are missing – or worse!
It is also possible to see if the roof looks quite new or not when you compare it with other properties. Roofs that are newer, when they’re properly constructed, are not just an ideal sign for getting rid of costly repairs, but they also can reduce the cost of insurance.
Watch out for cracks that are obvious
While a survey will show the most serious issues however, you can uncover clues by yourself without having to shell out for surveyors before you need to. Look out for big cracks that appear in walls and ceilings, particularly around areas that will come under stress or are likely to move away from the main portion of the property.
Be sure to inspect bay windows close to any extensions when they’re in use and the wall at the end of the patio where applicable. Small cracks, sometimes referred to as hairline, are normal, but largergaps that are more noticeable could indicate problems, so be sure to record any you may see.
A surveyor’s fee may seem like a expense you should not have but they could be worth the price of gold – especially in older homes. To learn more, take a look at our homebuyers survey guide.
Are there any indications of damp?
Damp is to be avoided when possible, as the removal of it and repairing the damages caused by it can expensive. Utilize multiple senses to check for damp. Don’t only look at your eyes. keep your nose open as well. Sometimes, the smell will often reveal the presence of damp before you see it. Do not ignore it, at your own risk.
The visual clues are often obvious However, it’s important to examine rooms, both at the in the middle and at the top. The ceiling and skirting boards are often where damp will first begin to show, so pay attention to these areas, particularly for walls facing outside.
Don’t be deceived by a lick of paint
Though a home that has been freshly painted will always look better as compared to a dirty and dull old one, it’s crucial not to be swayed by it. Paint can often hide many sins, so it may be worth questioning why a room is recently decorated.
The structural and damp issues could be concealed for a few minutes by an unintentionally sloppy brushstroke It’s important to keep this in mind when you look at. Even though you might prefer not put on the overalls yourself, a bit of decorating is more appealing than having to deal with the bigger problems that may be lurking beneath the fresh coat of paint.
Make sure the plumbing is in good working order.
Every pipework that you see is worth a look for signs of water leaks or water damage. Examine the kitchen cupboards underneath the sink and run your fingers over the pipes to make sure everything is well. Bathrooms that are older might have exposed pipes you can take a look at. Give the pipes more than a cursory glance.Make enquiries about the age that the boiler is, if it’s been regularly serviced and is still covered by warranty. Newer boilers tend to have fewer moving parts as a result, which has led to manufacturers extending their warranty for many years and it’s becoming common to find boilers with warranties for up to 7 years. Therefore, it’s best to be aware of where you stand in relation to this important appliance.
Make sure you check the drainage in the outside area and any other pipework that is outside or taps. Make sure everything on the houses for sale Colne is in good condition and that the water doesn’t pool in the middle in the area, should there be one. Check the guttering also.
Examine the electrics
With more and more of us making use of more and more gadgets and devices, electrical malfunctions are unfortunately, becoming increasingly prevalent. Wiring that is old can be hazardous and will cost you a lot to replace, so take a look at electrical outlets and any wiring that you can find while you are looking around.
These boards are also a good indicator of an electrical system’s age. Does it appear like it’s been a while since you last saw it? If it appears something from a different time it is likely that the wiring is as well.
Is the house a money pit?
Heating costs are increasing all the time, so it’s a good idea to inquire about the insulation you have within your home. A well-insulated home can make a huge difference to costs for energy as well as how comfortable you’ll feel whilst living there. Look in the attic and see whether insulation has been installed and also check the water pipes for Lagging. This will all help reduce your monthly outgoings.
Double glazing will also help in preventing heat loss during the winter seasons. Take a look at the windows to see how modern they are and whether or not they are going to need replacing in the near future.
Storage capacity sufficient?
There’s always something that we’d rather not have in view, yet many do not think about the storage options for 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 the time of purchase. Modern homes are generally lesser space than older ones So be cautious when looking around a recently built property.
Listen up
Many older houses have low quality soundproofing, particularly terraced homes. Some sellers will have a television or radio playing while you watch TV to mask next door neighbours’ noise. Ask them politely if they’d like to reduce the volume while you take a look at.
North, East, South or West?
Knowing which direction the property faces is important to keep in mind, particularly when looking in the winter months when everything appears to be a bit murky. South facing homes enjoy far more light than north facing ones, and can be warmer too.
A bright, sunny room is much more attractive than a dim, dark one, so remember to use your smartphone’s compasses when you’re viewing. Remember, too, that the sun sets in the west, and sets in the east, making west, south-westerly, and south-facing gardens more attractive.
When you’re finished with the home, take a look around the area
It is essential to get a feel for the surroundings of your home and also what’s inside it. If you’re a newcomer to the area spend a few minutes to explore and look out for any items that could be problematic. Is there a local bar that could bring people to your street at night? What are the educational facilities in the area? Do you have accessibility to public transport? What’s your road-side access like? Does the property back on the tracks of trains? Are there shops that are within walking distance?
All of these aspects and more should be considered before taking your ideas to the next level.