Important Things to Look Out For
When you are buying a house there are some obvious things you look out for. You'll no doubt check out the size. You'll take a look at the fittings in the bathroom and the kitchen. You'll obviously look at the colour-scheme - and probably decide to change it the minute you get the keys! But what about the more important things, do you look out for them? A lick of paint may sort out the previous owner's bad taste in décor but there are certain problems that are not so easily remedied and therefore must be discussed and hopefully rectified before the transaction goes through.
The First Visit
When visiting the house take a pen and paper and, if possible, bring a camera too. Many people looking to buy a property get a little overwhelmed. Buying a house is a big decision and buyers can get confused over what to look out for.
Décor is the one thing that usually catches buyer's attention. But ironically this is the one thing that is easy to change. Potential buyers should look at issues surrounding the structure and water and heating systems in the property as these require more work.
Check the taps in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure the water pressure is good and the water runs clean.
Look out for any cracks in the walls, especially in the corners. This could be a sign of subsidence - an expensive problem to rectify. Similarly check for any signs of damp. Look for peeling or bubbling paint or patches of wet on the walls.
If the windows are surrounded by a wood frame check the wood for rot. If the wood is soft it is possible it is rotten.Check the heating system. Is the boiler big enough? Does it look old? Does it need replacing? When was it last serviced?Check the bathroom for mould. This is a serious problem and could mean better ventilation needs to be installed. Also check whether any of the tiles are loose. These will have to be replaced.
See how many power points there are. Is there a sufficient amount? Will you need to have more installed? Are there are leaks in the roof? Can the owner have these fixed before any transaction takes place?
Consider the size of the house. It may be a good enough size now but if you plan on living in the house for a long period and you will be adding to your family then you need to ensure the house is big enough to accommodate this. Alternatively check what options there are for extending the house.
Will your furniture fit into the house? It can be a very costly move if you find that once you have moved into the house you have to refurnish the entire house with furniture that actually fits! When buying a house it is very easy to become blind-sighted by the excitement and the stress and it becomes hard to think clearly. However this is a huge decision and a costly one at that. Be sure to check everything before going ahead with the transaction. Make a list of all the things to check for and take it with you when you view the house.
