Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of property viewings and looking for a new home? This handy guide is full of helpful hints and tips.
Viewing a potential new home can be both exciting and overwhelming. To assist you in this crucial step of your home-buying journey, this guide can act as an important checklist to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
First impressions matter
When you arrive at the property, check the exterior of the building, as this can reveal a lot about its overall condition. We recommend you:- Inspect the brickwork for any cracks or damage.
- Assess the condition of the roof, including tiles and chimneys.
- Check the state of the guttering and the areas under the roof.
Assess the windows and security
When inspecting a property, it's essential to pay close attention to the windows and security features. Here's what we recommend you should look out for:- Check if the windows are secure and operate smoothly.
- Verify if they're double-glazed and look for any signs of misting to understand whether the double-glazing is still intact or needs to be replaced.
- Be aware of any condensation issues.
- Assess the condition of window frames.
- Examine external door locks and enquire about an alarm system.
Inspecting the interior
While walking through the property, be thorough and consider the following when inspecting the interiors:- Look for cracks in walls or ceilings.
- Assess the condition of the flooring.
- Be alert for signs of damp.
- Ensure there are sufficient power sockets.
- Evaluate the storage space.
- Test your mobile phone reception/coverage.
Look beyond the surface (where possible)
You want to be sure that you can comfortably live in this home, which is why we suggest you look that bit further at elements such as:- Test all taps and assess water pressure.
- Check how quickly hot water comes through.
- Verify that all light switches work.
- Test doors for any sticking or if they open and close smoothly.
- Ask about the quality of the internet connection and providers.
Check for bathroom basics
Bathrooms can be costly to renovate, so check that you’re happy with the basics so you won’t have any nasty surprises down the line.- Note the presence of a bath and/or shower, depending on your preference.
- Check ventilation quality and whether the bathroom has a window or an extractor fan.
- Assess the condition of tiles, grouting, and sealant.
- Test shower water pressure.
- Look for signs of damp, mildew, or mould.
- Check the toilet is in good working condition and flushes.
Other key tips for property viewings
Consider the property’s garden potential, parking availability and/or local green spaces.And to make the most of your viewing, don't hesitate to ask questions. Here are some important ones to consider:
- Is the property freehold or leasehold?
- Has there been any major building work?
- What's included in the sale?
- How old is the heating system/boiler?
Remember, viewing a property should be fun! Take your time, be nosy (in a good way), and ask ALL the questions…this is potentially your future home, after all!
We're here to help you have a smooth and successful home-moving journey - chat with us today or start browsing for properties.
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