So you've seen a property that looks like it ticks all the boxes and you've arranged a viewing. But what next?
Do you know what to look out for? You don't want those rose tinted glasses meaning you've missed something that might be an issue!
We've put together a little list of items for you to check and consider during your first viewing.
But remember, it's always worth having a survey. Whether it's a level 2 Homebuyers or a level 3 Homebuyers Building survey we can help you decide which one is most suited for your property type.
Contact us today for more information on the building surveying services we provide across the UK.
The Do's:
Open all windows and doors.
- If they stick it could be a sign of subsidence. If they are damaged you should make a note of the potential cost to replace.
Check door locks for insurance purposes.
- Certain insurance companies require certain lock types. If your door isn't up to scratch it could end up costing you in other ways.
Flick all electrical and light switches.
- It sounds silly but its a good sign that the wiring is in a reasonable condition. Its also an easy check, you want to avoid having to rewire the entire property if possible.
Return at different times of the day and different days of the week.
- Don't just attend when it's your viewing day and make a decision. It's important that you do a couple of 'drive by' viewings. It will give you an indication of any 'parking politics', issues with traffic, issues with youths, etc.
- You should also do your second viewing at a different time on a different day in order to see if the property is significantly different, colder, warmer, if there are any nuisance noises, noisy neighbours, smells etc.
Ask Questions!
- Don't be afraid to ask questions, you are making an investment after all. So ask every question you can think of. You can tell a lot by how someone will answer.
- Try asking things like: Have you done any renovations? When did you last decorate? Do you get on with your neighbours? Why are you moving? How long have you lived here for?
Check your phone signal.
- This might sound silly but think how frustrating it would be not to be able to make a call in your own home.
Turn on the taps.
- This is a great simple way to see if there are any obvious problems with water pressure.
Make a conscious effort to look for and at:
- Any cracking big or small
- Damp, staining or mould smells
- Potential parking politics
- Neighbouring properties and their maintenance requirements particularly if its a semi detached or a terraced property.
- Brickwork
- Roof coverings
- Roof void
- Gutters
Red tickets items can be costly to rectify.
If you have put an offer in on a property, talk to us today to discuss our services. We provide homebuyers level 2 reports, level 3 homebuyers building surveys, condition reports (ideal for landlords looking to rent a property) and snagging surveys for new builds.
We work directly out of our Rochdale office but travel across the North West and the UK.