Buying a house is one of the biggest things you’ll ever purchase and quite often is something you’ll have for many years to come, so you want to ensure everything is as it should be before you make any commitments. From simple things like aesthetics and style, to the important aspects such as electricity and plumbing, there are lots of different things you need to check before making a purchase.
Structural Considerations
One of the first things to check when viewing a property with the intention to buy is how structurally sound it is. The last thing you want is to invest in a property that has lots of underlying issues, as this will cost you a lot of money further down the line. Keep an eye out for any large cracks in the walls, ceilings and even flooring, as these are a large cause for concern. It’s important to remember that ‘hairline’ cracks are common and not too much of an issue, but if you notice cracks in the windows, joining areas or frames then you should speak to the homeowner or estate agent about this.
Damp Areas
Many homes experience damp which creates a mouldy, flaky appearance, especially when situated around wallpaper. Damp can cause all kinds of problems in the home, as well as being extremely unhealthy and not something you should be living with. If you do notice any damp areas within the property, make sure to highlight this to the necessary individual to find out how long the damp has been there and what’s caused it to occur. You can fix damp, but it’s certainly not something you should be dealing with when purchasing a new home.
Layout and Positioning
When purchasing a new home, you need to be confident that it’s the right size for what you need. Having rooms that are of a decent size, along with the right number of bathrooms to work well with the number of people living in the property is a key consideration. You want to feel at home, with space to relax and enjoy not feeling like you’re cooped up and constantly on top of one another. It’s also beneficial to find out which way the house is facing. You want to have sunlight shining throughout the day, but certain homes are facing in a position that will push mainly shade through. Once you’ve worked out the positioning of the house and the garden, you can make the right decision on what works best for you.
Neighbourhood Assessment
Whilst it’s not practical to knock on every door in the neighbourhood and find out a bit about each individual, it is a good idea to take note of the surrounding areas and observe what the neighbourhood is like. You want to purchase a home in a friendly, welcoming location and even after a 20-minute house viewing, you’ll be able to gain a good feel for what the area is like. Speak to the estate agent or homeowner to find out a little more about the neighbourhood, ask as many questions as you need to ensure you have a comfortable understanding of the area before you buy.
