When you are buying a house, you want to make sure that you get one that you don’t end up regretting. There are lots of things to consider when buying a house, and it is often said that location is the most important.
So, when you have found a house in the right location, you will want to go and have a look around it – but although the location may be ideal, make sure that you keep an eye out for other things as well. Here are some of the things to look out for…
Storage Space – Firstly, check what storage space is in the property. Think practically and consider where you will store larger items like your vacuum cleaner and things that you use less frequently. Things like garden equipment and tools for example are things that you might need to store, so think about where you will put them.
Damp and Mould – Something that you really don’t want to have to deal with when you buy a house is damp and mould. When you are looking around, be aware of the distinctive smell, and look behind furniture to see if you can spot any signs of damp and mould in the property. Types of damp and mould to look for include rising damp and black mould.
The Boiler and Heating – Something that can cost a lot to repair if you discover a problem is the boiler and the heating system. Check that the boiler is working properly, try the radiators and the hot taps, and ask when the boiler has last been serviced. If it is very old, you may need to get a professional like this boiler repair Cheltenham based company www.combi-man.com/ to come and replace it for you, so you may be able to negotiate a cheaper price for the property if this is the case.
The Garden – As well as looking at whether the garden is suitable for you, check practical things such as whether it is tidy or if it needs a lot of work doing to it, as well looking out for plants that could pose a problem and be invasive, such as bamboo and Japanese Knotweed.
Potential for the Future – Finally, think about your future plans and whether you have room to make changes to the property as your life changes. For example, might you want to extend in the future or change the layout? These are things that are worth thinking about before you buy.
Damp, staging tricks and which way it faces
Damp is not always easy to spot on a viewing, but there are signs. A damp or musty smell is a giveaway, as are brown patches on walls and ceilings, so look up as well as around.
Be aware of the tricks sellers use to make a home look better than it is. Freshly painted rooms, cleverly placed mirrors and smaller than usual furniture can all make a room seem bigger. Try to picture the space with your own furniture in it.
Check which way the house faces, because it has a big effect on the light inside and on the garden. Taking a compass with you settles the question quickly. If you want sun in the garden for most of the day, a south facing garden is the one to look for.
Spotting roof, heating and damp problems
Some faults are expensive to fix, so they are worth checking carefully when you view a property. The roof is often overlooked. Look for blocked gutters with water spilling over and for damp patches in the upstairs rooms, as both can point to a roofing problem. Roof repairs should be left to a professional, because it is dangerous work for anyone without the right experience.
Central heating is another costly system to put right. During a viewing, turn on the hot taps to check that hot water comes through, and see whether the radiators in each room warm up. Both give a good indication of the system’s condition.
Damp is a common problem and one that sellers sometimes try to hide. Be wary of rooms that have been freshly painted, as new paint can be covering damp patches. It is also worth looking behind furniture, where damp often lurks out of sight. Spotting these issues early can save you a great deal of money later.