Buying a new home is always an exciting prospect. When it comes to buying a new house it is important to take your time for research, check house prices and affordability, and to go and view the houses in person.
Viewings are perhaps one of the most fun aspects of looking for a house. When you have chosen a few houses you would love to go and see, the viewing is a helpful tool to allow you to visualize the home as your own and see if it is everything you want it to be.
Today we wanted to share a few tips for when you go to view a home because there are many things you need to look for and assess before you make an offer.
1. Check for damp
The last thing you want to do when you buy a new home is to find that there is a damp issue. Damp can be one of the worst things to happen in your home because it damages everything around it and it can be costly to repair. Consider inspecting the plasterwork, and small nooks and crannies for signs, and if the house has been recently repainted this could be a red flag. Use professional home inspectors to help you ensure that the home is mold and damp free.
2. Inspect the exterior
When you are viewing a house it is all too easy to get so caught up on the interior features of the space that you don’t even think about the outside. Make sure to look at the outside of the house and check for things such as gaps in the rendering, drainage issues, and the roof tiles. If there are any cracks or gaps this could lead to damp issues and it can impact the structural integrity of the home.
3. Storage
One of the things you need to heavily consider when you look for a new home is the storage space it can offer. There are homes that may look amazing and beautiful throughout but if there are no cupboards to store your things it is not really the best deal. Make sure to check for ample storage space so that you don’t end up with a cluttered home or you don’t have to get rid of lots of your things.
4. South facing garden
One of the best things you can have when you buy a new home is a south-facing garden. Often these properties can be a little more sought-after simply because the back of the house will see light throughout the day. When you go to view the house you can either ask which way the home is facing or you may even be able to find out this information in the house information from the estate agent. It might not seem like a big deal but it will impact how light and spacious your home feels.
5. How big are the rooms?
The main reason why viewing a house is so important is that you may otherwise end up buying a home with rooms a lot smaller than you expect. When estate agents take photographs of the homes they advertise, they often use a wide-angle lens that makes any room look bigger than it is in real life. Make sure to go a viewing with this in mind and consider bringing a tap measure if there are certain pieces of furniture you would need to bring to your new home.
6. Has furniture been used to conceal flaws?
Make sure when you go to look at a house that you have the chance to go and look yourself without the owner tailing behind you. It is important if you are going to invest in a new home that you are aware of every little flaw before you buy it. Be sure to check behind the furniture just in case there are any issues with cracks or shoddy paintwork, or mold.
7. How many sockets are there?
In this modern-day and age, one of the features you need to check for when you are buying a house is power outlets. You must make sure that there are enough plug sockets for all of the technology you want in the house, and if there aren’t be sure to consider the cost of putting extra sockets in when you move. If the house is amazing apart from the fact there are limited sockets, this shouldn’t put you off buying, but it is worth being aware of.
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