When you walk into someone’s home for a property viewing it can be hard not to feel like you are intruding. However, given the amount of money you are willing to spend you need to ensure it is in good condition and worthy of its sale price, so it pays to take your time. To help you put together a long checklist of things to inspect, here are 5 things to look for when viewing a property.
Signs of damp and mould
There are clear signs of damp and mould to look out for when viewing a property. For example, you may be able to smell it before you see it, or you may see flaky plaster on walls or ceilings that are also watermarked. It tends to appear around windows, in ceiling corners and around skirting boards. Living with damp and mould can be harmful to some health conditions, so it’s important to pay close attention to this.
Condition of windows and door frames
Be sure to check the windows and door frames to see if they open and close without issue and lock securely. You should expect to see some hairline cracks on the frames, but if you see any larger cracks this is not a good sign. If the window frame is wooden, ensure it is in good condition and not starting to rot. For double glazed windows, if you spot condensation between the panes then this is a sign that they are in need of repair.
Plumbing
The plumbing is important, so you need to ensure the water goes down the drain without any issue and that the toilets flush. Ask about the age of the boiler and give it a once over and see if the radiators in the house work properly. Check that the pipes are insulated, and if they are lead pipes these will need to be replaced. Hot water tanks that are situated in the roof space are more likely to be of the old variety, so it’s worth asking about its age and condition.
Is there enough space for storage?
You can never have enough storage space, and this is something you should also check. Think practically about where you can store towels, clothes horses, ironing boards, spare linen, vacuum cleaners etc. Older properties tend to have more space than new builds, so have a good look around for cupboards, shelves and other storage areas.
Use your ears, what can you hear?
The glazing will play a big part in keeping out unwanted sounds from outdoors. However, if the property is nearby to a busy road or airport, take some time to stop and listen to the sound levels and imagine how it might affect you once living there. This also includes neighbours and if the
property has thin walls, you may be able to hear what is going on next door, which could also be a problem for your own privacy.
Check to see if the floorboards creak when you walk across them. This is another sound that can affect your quality of life once you move in, especially if you have children or pets moving around a lot.