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Posted on 29th Nov, 2019

What to Look for When Viewing a House

If property investment wasn’t confusing and stressful enough, there are a number of things to look out for when viewing your ideal home. These can include anything from insulation, mould or even the roof. 

Houses can cost a few pretty pennies, so it’s important not to let your emotions get the better of you when viewing the house of your dreams. You’re the one investing, so it’s key you know what you’re paying for. Today, we will be covering a number of things you should keep an eye out for when buying a house. 

 

Here is What You Should Look Out for When Viewing a House:

1. The Roof 

Before you even set foot inside, be sure to have a look at what’s happening outside; to be more precise, the top. If the roof is perfect, that means you get to save some cash in the long run, as you will not only avoid costly repairs but also have lower homeowners insurance rates. 

Things you should keep an eye out for include; loose or missing shingles, sagging, exposed nail heads, large patches of moss. If any of these appear then it may be worth having someone survey the roof before purchase, whilst this may cost a little, it will most definitely save you money in the long run. Another common issue which I had seen more recently was non-functional aerial in Cardiff, which resulted in having to hire a company that does TV aerial installations in Cardiff

 

2. Plumbing

When inspecting the plumbing in the house, you shouldn’t stop at eye level. You should look underneath the sink, for example, to be sure that there are no leaks, mould, or any kind of water damage. Mould, especially, can be a notorious threat to your health, so be sure to have a look at all plumbing fixtures and the nearby surfaces. 

 

3. Sound-Proofing

One of the most annoying things is living in a house where you hear every word from your neighbours. Be sure to listen out for neighbouring noises, whilst there’s not much you can do about this, it may sway your decision. 

 

4. Attic & Insulation 

Most people ignore the attic, despite it being one of the most important parts of a house. Ensure that the attic is easy to access and that there is a good amount of storage space. If the attic is big enough, it could be converted into extra rooms. 

Don’t forget to also check how well the house is insulated.

A well-insulated home can save you a lot of cash in the long run, as you won’t have to pay costly heating and cooling bills during summer and winter. 

 

5. Drive Around 

This is among the first things you want to do before signing any papers or even going to view the house. You have to be sure that the property is perfect for you. The best way to do so is driving through the neighbourhood both at night and during the day. That way, you not only see how the area looks, but you also get to assess other sensitive things like traffic noise. 

 

6. Damp

One of the main deal-breakers when buying a home are signs of water damage such as watermarked ceilings or walls, mouldy smell, and flaky plaster. Be sure to look closely around skirting boards and near ceilings. Also look out for recent repainting, as this might have been done to conceal a damp spot. 

 

damp on roof

 

Questions to Ask

Be sure to ask the following questions when you are viewing the house you are interested in buying:

  •   Why the house is being sold?
  •   How long have the previous owners lived here?
  •   How long has the house has been on sale for?
  •   What the average cost of utility bills is?
  •   How much the council tax is?
  •   Whether there are any communal service charges
  •   How old is the boiler?
  •   Whether any revamps have been done in the house recently?
  •   What the neighbours are like?
  •   What parking rules apply in the area?
  •   How old is the property?
  •   How energy efficient is the house?
  •   Whether any major repairs have been done on the house recently?

Without a doubt, there is quite a lot to consider and look out for when viewing a house. The secret lies in how careful you are when viewing a house. You want to pay attention to the slightest details so that you don’t miss any points. It’s also important to have the house professionally inspected to be sure that you are getting the best deal. 

Here at Repossessed Houses For Sale, we help you find the property of your dreams, and if you’d like to find out more about how we can help you get in touch today on [email protected]

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