Buying a house is probably one of the most exciting times for anyone out there. It’s also the most nerve-wreaking. With all those emotions running high, it can be quite easy to forget to be cautious about each and every house you view. Add to the mix the excitement one often feels when finding a place with the Patissall Group that fits most of their criteria, and it’s quite likely that caution is thrown out the window. However, since a house is a huge investment, it’s important to be very careful about what you’re doing. Here is some guidance for what you should make sure to check very carefully.
Mold
Let’s start with a big one. If there is mold, or any other signs of dampness, such as a flaky plaster, or walls or ceilings that are watermarked, it’s a clear sign that there are some serious issues with the plumbing system of the place. This, in time, can lead to catastrophic consequences if not properly dealt with, so be on the lookout. Hire an independent damp survey expert to thoroughly check for any signs of water damage. Sometimes, even if there is no visible mold, there may be a musty smell or discoloration on the walls that could indicate an underlying issue.
Storage Space
You may not have put this on your must-have list, but storage space is an incredible value for any house. You’re going to gather quite a bit of stuff over the years, and all that stuff will need a home inside your home. Your vacuum, towels and linen are just a few of the items that need storage. Make sure to identify all the storage space in the house, and to figure out whether new shelves or cupboards can be installed anywhere at all.
Which Way Is the House Facing?
Another point you may have not considered, but the way a house faces impacts how much light it has. While during the winter months, this may not be a big issue, during the summer, a South-facing home is going to be filled with light and warmth. This will make you and your family much, much happier.
Sound Structure
How sound a home’s structure is, is crucial for obvious reasons. The last thing you want is for your newly purchased home to collapse, and turn uninhabitable in the blink of an eye. Sure, this is an extreme example, but structure problems are only going to give you headaches, which is why it’s best to stay away from them. Look for big cracks at the end of terrace walls, the bay windows and where extensions join. Now, keep in mind that some cracks may be normal, and not all that problematic. Just make sure to take note of the ones you see, and ask your surveyor to closely inspect them.
Staging
Staging is an incredibly handy method of helping the buyer envision themselves living there. While there may be some benefits to you, keep in mind that the main purpose of staging is to make the house look good so that it gets bought. Things like mirrors placed in strategic areas, cozy fires and strategic lighting all work to make a house look better than it is. If there is furniture, be sure to ask what they will leave behind and what they will take with them.
Age of Roof
Roof replacement is one of the most expensive things out there, which is why you should make sure to ask about its age. New roofs have a life expectancy of about 15-20 years, so if the roof is relatively young, you can rest assured you’ll be able to enjoy it for a long time to come.
Power Points
Wiring can be difficult to repair, and if it’s in a bad state, it can be quite dangerous. With that in mind, make sure to have a look at the condition of the power points. In addition, make sure that the house has plenty power points available, since the ever-increasing use of technology is certainly going to require loads of these.
Being careful about how you inspect a house is crucial in ensuring that if you do decide to make a purchase, it’s going to be a good one. Of course, the house inspection may cover a lot of the important parts for you, but some aspects are left to you to pay attention to.
