Whether you are an existing homeowner or a first-time homebuyer, buying a new house is always an exciting time. Viewing a house is the first step towards making a decision. The moment you step inside a property that could potentially be your home, you need to be extra vigilant about a list of things to see and need to ask.
Finding your dream home is difficult, but finding one that will serve all the required purposes with no issues and problems is very much possible. In order to make sure you don’t miss out on anything important, we have compiled a home viewing checklist to take along with you while viewing the property. By checking the following things, you will be in a position to decide whether you’re going to put in an offer on the property under consideration or not.
Outside Of The Property
● Check all external doors and their locksThe structure of the building should be in good condition.
● All the windows should be double glazed, check for condensation between the panes.
● Check for a burglar alarm.
● Check for off-road parking.
Inside The Building
● Locate the smoke alarms.
● All light switches must be working properly.
● The property should be big enough for your needs.
● Check for a separate storage place.
● Look for any signs of damp or mould.
Kitchen
● All the cupboards must be neat, clean and in good condition.
● Ensure that all the built-in kitchen appliances are working properly.
● Check the sink carefully for any signs of damp or mould.
Bathroom(s)
● Check all taps.
● Open the hot water tap and note how long it takes for hot water to come through.
● Check the water pressure in the shower.
● Is there a bath or not?
● Check the silicone sealant.
● There must be adequate ventilation to prevent damp/mould in the bathroom.
Bedroom(s)
● Check the size of each room/bedroom if it is big enough to accommodate your furniture and fulfil your needs.
● Inquire about any fixtures or fittings included in the sale like curtain rails or carpets.
● Examine carefully the condition of the walls and carpets.
Garden
● Look at the condition of the outdoor space and gauge how much work or maintenance is required.
● Always keep in mind the privacy factor while looking at the garden.
● South-facing gardens get the most sun.
Extra Things To Remember
● Inquire about the council tax.
● Locate the water meter if any.
● Inquire about the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of the property.
Additional Tips for viewing a property
1. Take Your Time
Make sure you spend enough time viewing a house so you can look carefully at each thing and get a feel for the place. Agents usually book in 15 minutes slots, but don’t be afraid to do a second viewing.
2. Check The Building Structure
Take a walk around the outside of the house to check the exterior carefully. Look for hairline cracks and traces of damp in the walls, loose or missing tiles on the roof and broken guttering.
In case you make an offer and it gets accepted, you must have an independent house survey done so professionals can conduct more thorough checks.
3. Look – And Smell – Carefully
The seller sometimes tries to hide the problems and use cover-ups including hiding wall cracks or floor problems with furniture or rugs and painting over damp. But still damp gives off a musty whiff, so be on your guard for unusual smells.
4. View The Property More Than Once
It’s always advisable to see the property more than once if possible. The more time you spend in a house, the more likely you are to spot problems. It can also help you find out how the sunlight, traffic and surrounding noises change during different hours of the day.
5. Investigate The Neighbourhood
Spend some time walking around the general area to find out how close local amenities are, such as schools, cafes, transport links or local shops. Also, revisit at rush hour and on weekdays and weekends.
We hope that the above information is sufficient and helpful to you in viewing a property and making a well-thought decision.
