Our House Viewing Tips

Would you spend just 20 minutes viewing a property to purchase – whether online or in person – that is going to be your house for many years? A few home buyers do and regret it later. We’ve collected our best tips on the things to look for when buying the home of your dreams — a checklist for the things to look for when viewing a property.

The purchase of a home is likely to be the biggest purchase, and it’s crucial that you are aware of what to consider when looking over homes. Knowing what you should look for when looking at houses from the outset means your more likely to locate the property that meets your requirements best. Plus you’ll be on the watch for any possible pitfalls. Here’s our checklist of things to look out for when visiting a property.

1. What to look out for while looking at a house Are there any damp issues?

What should you look for in a house you are buying? Watch out for the signs of damp. The primary signs that indicate damp are a mouldy smell as well as flaky plaster and ceilings that have water marks. This might sound easy, but when it is about what to look for when looking at a house, make sure you pay attention to the ceiling and in the area around your skirting boards. Another clue might be if the room has just been redone – or perhaps covered with damp.

2. Is the structure solid?

Huge cracks are what you need to look for when buying an investment property, but you should anticipate some hairline cracks. Look especially around the areas where extensions connect, the ends of the terrace walls and bay windows, each of which could begin to drop or form a bow from the rest of the home. It’s vital to add this to your list of things you should look for when looking at the house, as you could consult the owner or the estate representative about this and then ask a surveyor to investigate later.

When it comes to what to look for when buying houses for sale you are only able to look for the things you are familiar with. However, having a house survey will enable you to identify dangers and determine what requires attention. So getting a survey may prove to be a good investment when they find issues that could be expensive to correct.

3. How many storage spaces are there?

When it comes to what to look out for when buying a house you should think about what it will take to live there. Storage space is a valuable but frequently overlooked feature when considering homes to purchase. Consider adding this to your list of things you should look for when looking at the house you are considering buying.

What are the best places to keep your vacuum cleaner, towels, spare linen, and boxes of junk? Do you have enough space for cupboards or shelves that you can build within? Particularly in newly built homes storage space is often limited.

4. Which way does the house face?

When it is winter, dark, cloudy day or night it is hard to differentiate between a north and south facing house or garden – however, in summer, it could be a difference between a home that is bright and warmth and one that is frustratingly dark. It is crucial to examine when it comes down to what you should look for when purchasing a home.

Do not be afraid to bring the compass you have with you when you go to view the property You may have one in your phone. Bifold doors are all popular, remember that during the hottest times of the day, the solar gain can cause the room to be extremely hot, so add this to the things you’re looking for when making a list of things to look for when buying a house and make an effort to go and take some time in the space when the sun is out.

5. Are the rooms big enough for your needs?

We’ve heard of homes being designed by developers who put smaller furniture into rooms to make them seem larger. Be warned! If you’re wondering what to look for when looking at the house, assuming you won’t be buying new furniture as soon as moving in you should ask yourself whether your current furniture will work?

6. Have you been fooled by staging?

The clever placement of mirrors, the strategic lighting, delicious smells, warm fires, and licks of paint are all techniques used by home sellers to make their home more appealing. It’s pleasant to feel like you can move straight into the home without doing something, but try to remain neutral. If their furniture is a problem for your space look cluttered, make photos and ask what they are leaving behind. Perfect light fittings, for example, can take an age to find and replace!

Include this on your list of what to look out for when visiting homes.

7. Do the window frames have cracks in the paint? Are the double-glazings intact?

One of the most important things to check when you are buying an apartment is the condition of the exterior window frames. This is a good indicator of the overall condition of the home – if people have invested in and maintained the frames, they are likely to have taken great care of the rest. So this is important when it comes to knowing what to look for when viewing the house.

If you can push your finger inside a wooden window frame, they are typically decayed. If there is condensation in double-glazed windows, this means they’re damaged. The windows must be installed by a registered approved inspector . You should have a FENSA or similar certificate, that often comes with guarantees. Add this to your checklist of what you should look for when buying a house.

8. How old is the roof?

Removing the roof can be expensive as newer roofs are expected to last of only 15-20 years, depending on the materials. So , you must take into consideration this when you’re deciding what you should look for when viewing a house.

Also, if the property has a flat or flat roof, make sure to check the materials that it is covered. These days, membranes are utilized and is much better than asphalt and gravel, which leaves seams and edges unsealed.

9. Are sufficient power points in place and what state are they in?

The wiring that is not in good condition can be risky and wiring your new house can be a costly business. Also check out the fuse board . It’s usually an indicator of the condition of the wiring but a study will tell you if it needs replacing. Having enough plug points is apparently a big benefit in our electronic world. It’s definitely should be added onto your listing of features to look for when looking at homes.

10. Things to look for when looking at a house Are the plumbing fixtures up to scratch?

Check the faucets to determine the pressure of water. Make sure the pipes are well-insulated and are not lead which could require replacement. Do the radiators work? What is the age of the boiler? In the event that the tank for hot water is situated on the roof, it’s likely to be an old model and might need to be replaced shortly. some things to look out for when purchasing a home.

Don’t rely on the estate agent’s word as it that is all OK. If you purchase a home, it’s advisable to arrange to have a house survey conducted.

11. Are the premises sound-proofed?

If the seller has the television or radio on ask for it to be decreased so that you can’t hear your neighbours’ every word. This is crucial in determining what to look for when looking at houses. It’s also beneficial to arrange viewings for different timings of the day.

12. What to check when buying an apartment: What’s the attic like?

Most people don’t think much about the attic It is an important component of the home and must be on your list of things to look out for when you look at a house. What is the ease of access? Do you have enough storage space? Could it be converted into extra rooms? Do you have insulation? Are all things to look at when buying a house. The latter can make a huge difference to your costs and overall satisfaction in winter.

13. Things to look out for in a house purchase What’s the neighborhood like?

If you’re wondering what to look for when purchasing a house it’s not just the property you’ll have to look at. Also, you should consider the surrounding area as well. For instance:

Are you near a bar or kebab shop, or bar which turns rowdy during the late night?
Can you walk to shops for a pint of milk, or do you have to drive?
Is it easy for you to get public transport?
Are there noisy roads or train tracks nearby?
Are you in the flight track?
Do you know of a dump within smelling distance?
Are you near a school that makes it impossible to exit your drive at school run time?
Are you in a protected area?

And most important Do you feel that you could make it your home? Google street view is a great option to get around the city within the comfort at home.

If you do like a property, arrange another visit at an earlier time and explore the surrounding area more. If you’re able to, bring anyone with you who might be able to notice things you don’t.

Virtual viewing

There are various options in the realm of virtual tours. They could be recorded or live tour with the property owner or agent. If it is live, go slow, ask lots of questions. Also, make sure you inquire about the inside of cabinets, the fuse board and the boiler. It is recommended to inspect the window frames, and then look at the views of the outside from your window.

It will be tricky to get a sense of the area and the neighborhood This is where Google Street View will help. With Google Maps you can get an overview of the area and how it’s changed over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical house inspection lasts around 30 minutes so you should be able to go through your list of things to look for when viewing a house. If you’re running out of time, you could ask follow-up questions or schedule another viewing.