Things to look out for when viewing a property

Buying a house is probably the most significant decision you will ever make. There are many influencing factors that need to be considered when purchasing a home and viewing a property. Make sure the property is suitable for you and that everything is functional and in working order. Ensure you feel educated on what to keep an eye out for, take some time to read this article and you will be able to better acknowledge any warning signs. 

It’s not worth spending only 20 minutes viewing a property you’re going to spend many years in. Ensure your checks are thorough and make sure you feel satisfied with your viewing before you leave. You definitely don’t want to live to regret the biggest purchase you’ll ever make. 

Be aware if the property has any damp 

Look out for indications of damp when you are viewing a house. Plaster that is flaking, a musty odour, and watermarks on the walls or ceilings are the most tell-tale indications of damp. Although it may seem obvious, pay particular attention to areas near the ceilings and around the skirting boards. If the room has recently been painted this could be another hint that the previous owner is attempting to cover any damp. 

It is an indication of the building’s ventilation and structure and is brought on by damp air condensing on the walls. Damp is a difficult problem to eradicate.  It is important to realise that damp can cause health problems, woodworm infestations, and fungal degradation so it is definitely an issue you want to avoid. 

Which way does the house face? 

It is difficult to see the difference between a north and south-facing house or garden in the winter, on a cloudy day, or at night, but in the summer, it can mean the difference between a home that is warm and bright and one that is incredibly dark.  If you’ve got a compass on your phone, don’t be afraid to use it at your property viewing. 

Check your windows! 

The condition of the external window frames is one of the things to look for when purchasing a home. People who have invested time and money in taking care of things have likely shown care throughout the property and give you a wonderful indicator of the condition of the house.  

Your windows are often rotten if you can easily insert your finger into the wooden window frame. Additionally, if there’s condensation between the double-glazed window panes you most likely have a problem with the windows. You should obtain a FENSA or equivalent certificate when installing new windows as this frequently comes with a warranty and shows they have been installed by a qualified approved inspector. 

These three points can be quite a costly mistake if noticed too late. Hopefully, you will be wiser going into your next house viewing and will be able to identify issues you definitely will not want to deal with later down the line. If your search for your perfect property is still ongoing, contact our friendly team today who will be happy to lend a helping hand and their expert advice.