House viewings are a lot of fun, aren’t they? You get to take a detailed peek inside a property, and even if you have little to no intention of putting an offer in, you can pick apart the decor and judge the chips and cracks you find in the tiles!
But if you are at a house viewing for a property you actually have an interest in, there are a few important things to double check on your way around.
After all, you don’t want to buy a home that comes with the damage already settled into the walls and foundation! Keep an eye out for the signs below and put a hard pass on any properties that show them.
Is There Any Water Damage?
Water damage is trouble! It can cause mold, damp, and rot – which we all know leaves a nasty smell – and it can weaken a structure to the point it’s about to collapse.
However, water damage can settle quite deeply into a property, and it’s not always visible to the naked eye. That’s why you should always get a house survey completed when you’re serious about making an offer.
The surveyor will know what they’re looking for, as well as any secret signs that water has gotten under the floorboards somewhere!
It’s best to get a house survey done at least two weeks before the sale of the home is due to be completed. This gives you time to find out more about the state of the home, get some reassurances, and even pull out of the deal if need be.
But booking house surveys can be a little bit complicated. Timing is essential, and you need to know what the report really says; for more information click here.
Are the Electrics Properly Connected?
Test this very simply by using light switches, and even bringing your own phone charger along with you and plugging it into the wall!
Any issues, immediately bring them up with the person who’s showing you around. If the electrics have gone kaput, the house may not be anywhere near as valuable as what they’re asking for it.
And while you’re at it, be sure to ask them about any electrical problems in the past. For example, did the wiring need to be replaced at any point?
It can be helpful to make use of some professional electrical services, as they will be qualified to look for and solve these problems.
What Condition is the Exterior in?
Curb appeal isn’t just an aesthetic thing. It’s a sign of wear and tear, and how well that’s been cared for over the years.
Indeed, you might want to expand the property outward one day, or you may want to get a load of garden landscaping done.
It’s better to know now, before you’ve put any money down, that these things will be possible without expensive structural issues getting in the way.
When you’ve got a house viewing booked, make sure you know the whys and hows you need to ask about. The property market is expensive; the more info you get now, the better!
