The process of buying a property is more than the usual transaction. To locate the perfect home to you and your family there are many things you need to bear in mind prior to parting of your hard-earned money, and the viewing stage is vitally important.
If you’re not sure what to look for when purchasing houses for sale Colne, our handy guide will help you identify points of concern. It might save you cash and time. So, if you’re ready to start, we’ll begin with the most important point:
Be sure to look ahead before going to
Give the roofing a short glance over from street level is something that many people don’t think of when looking at properties. Obviously, you’re not going to see the roof up close and personal, however, you’ll be in a position to spot if any tiles are missing – or even worse!
You’ll also be able to determine if the roof appears relatively new or not by comparing it to surrounding properties. Newer roofs, if properly installed, aren’t just an excellent sign in terms of saving money on repairs, but they also can reduce the cost of insurance, too.
Be on the lookout for obvious cracks
While a survey will show significant issues but it’s possible to discover clues yourself, without having to pay for surveyors prior to when you’re required to. Find large cracks that appear in walls and ceilings, specifically around areas that will come under pressure or will be displaced from the main section of the property.
Check around bay windows, near any extensions, if they are present or end-of-terrace walls, If they are present, and the end of the terrace walls. Small cracks, often referred to as hairline, are normal. However, largergaps that are more noticeable could indicate trouble, so make sure to record any you may see.
Paying for a surveyor may seem like an expense that you could cut out, but they really can be worth their weight in gold, particularly for older homes. For more details, take a an look at our buyers survey guide.
Are there any indications of damp?
Damp is to be avoided whenever possible, as removing it, and repairing any damages caused by it can be a costly undertaking. Be sure to use multiple senses while checking for damp. Don’t only rely on your eyes, ensure that your nose is open, as well. Sometimes, the smell will often conceal any hint of moisture prior to you even noticing it. You should not ignore it.
The visual clues are often obvious however, it is important to look closely at the room from in the middle and at the top. The ceiling and skirting boards are typically where damp is most likely to show itself, so pay attention to these areas, particularly on walls that face the outside.
Don’t be deceived by the appearance of a small amount of paint
Even though a house that has been recently decorated will always be more attractive than a dull and stale old space, it’s vital not to be swayed by the appearance. Paint is often able to conceal various sins which is why it’s worthwhile to consider the reason a space was recently decorated.
All structural and damp issues are concealed for a few minutes by an unintentionally sloppy brushstroke It’s important to keep this in mind while looking at. Although it’s possible wear the overalls by yourself, a bit of decorating is far more appealing than dealing with larger problems which may lurk beneath the fresh application of the paint.
Verify the plumbing
Any pipework you find should be checked to look for leaks or signs of water damage. Look inside the cabinets in the kitchen under the sink and run your hands through the pipes, making sure everything is fine. Bathrooms that are older might have pipes that are exposed that you could glance at, so be sure to give more than one glance.Make enquiries about the age that the boiler is, if it’s been regularly serviced, and if it is still covered by warranty. Modern boilers contain fewer moving parts and therefore manufacturers have extended their warranties in a number of instances and it’s now not unusual to find boilers with warranties for up to 7 years. It’s therefore important to know where you stand when it comes to this important appliance.
Check the outside drainage and any other pipes or taps too. Verify that everything is in good order and that water doesn’t “pool” within the middle in the area, if there’s one. Check the guttering also.
Examine the electrical system.
With increasing numbers of people having a plethora of devices, electrical faults are, unfortunately, getting more frequent. Old wiring can be dangerous and can cost quite a bit to repair, so make sure you be sure to look over the power outlets and any wiring you see while you’re exploring.
Also, fuse boards can be an excellent indicator of electrical system’s age. Does it look outdated to you? If it appears to be of a different era then the odds are that the wiring is as well.
Is the property an energy money pit?
Heating bills are increasing all the time, so it’s well worth asking about the insulation that is already in your home. A well-insulated home can dramatically impact heating bills as well as the way you’ll be. Examine the attic to see whether insulation has been put in and check water pipes for the presence of lagging. All this will help lower your monthly expenses.
Double glazing also helps in preventing heat loss during the winter seasons. Have a look at the windows to see how modern they are , and whether or not they are going to need replacing in the near future.
Do you have enough storage?
We’ve all got stuff we’d rather keep out view, but many don’t think about the storage options for the house they’re viewing. Make certain that there’s enough room in the cupboards for your needs as it’s often impossible to expand it at an later time. Modern homes are generally lesser space than older ones So be cautious when you’re looking around a newly built property.
Listen up
Many older homes have poor quality soundproofing, particularly terraced homes. Some crafty sellers will have a TV or radio playing while you watch TV to block out the neighbors next door’s sound. If you ask them politely, they’ll like to reduce the volume while you take a look around.
North, East, South or West?
Knowing which direction the property is facing is crucial to be aware of, particularly when you’re viewing during the winter, when everything is slightly hazy. South facing homes enjoy far more light than north facing ones, and can be quite a bit warmer, as well.
A room that is bright and light is much more attractive than a dim, dark one, so be sure to take out your smartphone’s compasses when you’re viewing. Remember, too, that the sun rises in the west then sets towards the east which makes south-westerly, westerly and south-facing rear gardens more appealing.
When you’re done with your home, check out the surrounding area
It’s essential to know what’s around the home and also what’s inside it. If you’re new to the neighborhood make sure you take the time to investigate and look for anything that could be a problem. Are there any bars nearby that might draw people to your street in the late hours of the night? What are the schools in the area? Do you have accessibility to public transport? What’s the access to roads like? Does the property back on train tracks? Are there any shops that are within walking distance?
All of these things, and many more, should be taken into account prior to taking things to the next level.
