Do you think it is worth spending just 20 minutes viewing a property to buy – either virtually or in person – which is going to be your home for the next several years? There are some home buyers who do this – and then regret it. We’ve put together the best tips on what to be looking for when purchasing a home as well as a checklist for what to look for when visiting a property.

Buying a house is most likely to be your biggest purchase, and it’s crucial that you know what you should look for when looking at the house. Knowing what to look out for when you’re viewing a property from the outset means your more likely to locate a property that suits your requirements best. Plus you’ll be on the lookout for potential traps. Here’s our checklist of things to look out for when visiting a property.

1. What should you look for when visiting a house: Do you notice damp?

What to look for when purchasing a home? Keep an eye out for indicators of damp. The most obvious signs of damp are smells of mould, flaky plaster, and ceilings or walls that are watermarked. It sounds simple, but when it comes to what to look for when looking at a house, make sure you examine the ceiling closely and around on the boards that skirt. Another clue might be if the room has just been repainted – possibly covering any damp.

2. Is the structure sound?

Big cracks are what to look out for when purchasing the house, but you should anticipate certain hairline cracks. Check out the areas the areas where extensions connect, the ends of the terrace walls, and bay windows, each of which could begin to fall off or deviate from the remainder of the house. It’s essential to add this to your list of what to look for when viewing the house, as you could talk to the homeowner or estate agent about it and then ask a surveyor to examine the issue later.

However, when it comes down to what to look for when buying a house it is only what you are aware of. However, A house survey can assist you in identifying potential risks and know what needs attention. So getting a survey may prove to be a good investment should they discover issues that could be expensive to repair.

3. How many storage spaces are there?

When you’re thinking about what to look for when buying a property, you must think about what it will take to live in the house. Storage space is a crucial yet often neglected asset when exploring homes you might want to buy. Add this to your list of what you’re looking for when visiting houses.

Where do you store your vacuum cleaner towels, spare sheets and other boxes of junk? Is there room for cupboards or shelves that you can build within? Particularly in newly built homes storage space may be limited.

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4. Which direction is the house facing?

In winter, during a clear day or night it is hard to distinguish between a south and a north facing garden or house – but in summer , it is possible to tell the difference between a home which is brimming with light and warmth, and one that’s dark and dreary. This is something you must look for when deciding the things to look for when you are buying a home.

Don’t be shy about taking an compass to your home viewing You may have one in your phone. Bi-fold doors are all in fashion, it is important to be aware that in moments of sunshine the solar gain could cause the room to become extremely warm, so add this to your things to look for when purchasing a home checklist and make an effort to go and enjoy the room in the morning when the sun is out.

5. Are the rooms large enough to meet your requirements?

We’ve heard about new-build house builders putting smaller furniture in rooms to make them appear bigger. Be warned! If you’re wondering what to look for when viewing the house and assuming that you’re not buying new furniture the moment moving in ask yourself what furniture you have already got?

6. Have you been fooled by staging?

Strategically placed mirrors, cleverly placed mirrors lighting, delicious smells cosy fires, and fresh clean coats of paint are a few tricks sellers use to make their home more appealing. It’s nice to feel you can move straight into your new home without having to do anything, but you should try to be impartial. If the furniture they have placed in your space look cluttered, make photos and inquire about what they’re leaving to be left behind. Ideal light fittings, as an example, can take an age to find and replace!

You can add this to your list of what to look out for when visiting the house you are looking at.

7. Do the frames of your windows have cracked paint? Is the double-glazing in good condition?

One of the most important things to be aware of when purchasing one is the condition of the exterior window frames. This is a good indicator of the condition of the property – if people have invested into and cared for these frames, they are most likely to take good care of the rest. This is why it is crucial when it comes to what you should look for when looking at the house.

If you are able to easily insert your finger through a window frame, they are typically decayed. If you notice condensation between double-glazed windows, this means they are faulty. New windows need to be installed by a registered approved inspector so you should obtain an FENSA or similar certificate, which often come with guarantees. Include this on your list of what to look for when purchasing a home.

8. How old is the roof?

Replacing a roof is an expensive venture and the latest roofing systems have a lifespan of just 15-20 years dependent on the material. So , you must take into consideration this when deciding what you should look for when looking over a house.

Additionally, if your home has a flat or nearly flat roof, check out the material that was sealed. Nowadays , a membrane is utilized and is much better than gravel and asphalt, which could leave seams and edges unsealed.

9. Are there enough power points and what is their condition?

A faulty wiring system can be hazardous and wiring your new home may be an expensive business. Check out the fuse board . It’s usually an indication of the state of the wiring. However, a investigation will reveal if the wiring has to be replaced. The availability of plug points is an obvious selling point in this technology-driven world, and is should be added the list to things to look for when viewing a house.

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

Use the taps to test the pressure in the water. Make sure the pipes are properly insulated, and confirm that they are not lead which would have to be replaced. Do the radiators actually work? What’s the age of the boiler? If the hot water tank is located in the roof it is probably an old one, and could need to be replaced in the near future. all things to look for when buying a house.

Don’t rely on the estate agent’s word for that it’s all fine. When you buy a property it’s advisable to arrange to have a house survey completed.

11. Is the home sound-proofed to the highest standard?

If the sellers have television or radio on, ask for it to be shut off so that you won’t be able to hear your neighbors’ every word. This is important in determining what to look out for when you look at the house. It’s also beneficial to arrange viewings for different times of the day.

12. Things to look out for when buying an apartment: What’s the attic like?

The attic is often overlooked by people, but it is an important part of the home, and must be on your list of things you should look for when looking at a house. How easy is it to access? Are there ample storage space? Could it be transformed into extra rooms? Do you have insulation? Are there insulation issues? for when buying a house. These can be a major difference in your expenses and overall comfort in the winter.

13. Things to look for in a house purchase How is the neighborhood?

When it comes to what to look for when buying a house it’s not just the property that you need to think about. You also want to consider the surrounding area as well. Examples:

Are you near a pub or kebab shop, or bar that becomes rowdy in the evening?
Do you have to walk to the store to buy a pint milk Do you have to drive?
Is it easy to get to public transport?
Are there any noisy roads or train tracks nearby?
Are you underneath a flight track?
Do you know of a dump within smelling distance?
Are you close to a school that makes it difficult to get off your drive at school run time?
Are you in a conservation area?

And most importantly is it a place that feels like you could call it your home? Google Street View is a great option to get around the city at the ease at home.

If you’re interested in the property, schedule another viewing for an earlier time, and scout out the local area a bit more. If you can, take somebody with you who might be able to notice things you might not.

Virtual viewing

There are many options available with regard to virtual tours. They could be recorded beforehand or live tour with the property owner or agent. If it is live, go slow, ask plenty of questions and make sure you ask to see the inside of the cabinets as well as the fuse board and the boiler. You’ll want to take a close look at the window frames and look at the views of the outside from your window.

It can be difficult to understand your location and neighborhood and that’s why Google Street View can be of assistance. With Google Maps you can get an idea of the area as well as how it has changed over time.

Frequently asked questions

A typical house viewing takes about 30 minutes. You should be able to go through your list of things to look for when viewing a house. If you’re not able to complete the task, to ask any follow-up questions or schedule another viewing.