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When experiencing a house, many of us rush through the tour with lightning speed. It’s astonishing how little time we take when considering such an integral purchase—a home! We can even get so caught up in superficial details that we forget what matters most.
Follow our advice and tips before buying your dream house or apartment to ensure you don’t forget anything important.
1. Get Acquainted With the Neighborhood
Before you consider the interior of a home, take some time to explore its environment. After all, since these surroundings are fixed, nothing can be done to modify them.
Will there be disruptive noises from nearby roads, planes, or trains? The sound may not be bothersome during certain times of the year when windows are closed; however, what about during summertime when they’re open? Are schools near enough that traffic and parking could become problematic or cause moments of loudness at specific hours? Is the house situated next to a waste facility or industrial estate, which would deem it uncomfortable to enjoy your home’s outdoor area?
When looking for a new home, consider the parking and local amenities. Will street parking require an additional fee? Can you easily park near your house, or will it force you to traverse multiple blocks away?
Can this flat usually provide enough space for regular vehicle use if it includes driveways? Additionally, create a list of must-haves in your area before deciding on the property. Such features might include the following:
- Public transport
- Schools
- Food store
- Doctor’s surgery
- Pharmacy
- Vet
2. Carefully Inspect the Outside
Take a step back and carefully analyze the roof’s condition. If it’s in poor shape, you must calculate whether repairing it is worth the cost and uproar of such an endeavor. Evaluate if exterior brickwork or render needs to be replaced as well. These materials will need attention, too, if they are not up to standard. Don’t make hasty decisions; ensure you’ve considered the price and how it will affect things before moving forward.
Before you make any decisions about your home or garden, consider which way the house is facing. North-facing rooms tend to be darker and will always have a cool light; this may not match with all wall colors either. As for gardens that face north, it could also limit what you can grow in terms of flowers and plants. On the other hand, south-facing rooms may become too hot during summer due to their extensive glazing – unless precautions such as curtains or blinds are considered.
Because basement conversions are typically chillier than any other level, heating bills can be steeper, and a dehumidifier may need to be purchased.
3. Check the Soundness of the Interior
Scan the home for any visible indications of mold or dampness, paying close attention to wall cracks. You can even see if a musty smell is present, indicating that the latter has already started developing.
Watch out for flaked plaster and watermarks, as these are telltale signs! Don’t let minor hairline fractures misguide you – only the large ones should set off alarm bells. Before making a decision, inquire if the owners know about upcoming construction or renovation work in other areas of the building. A neighbor’s remodeling could mean extra cracks and dust infiltrating your property, so it is best to ask before committing!
4. Be Sure to Familiarize Yourself with Your Neighbors
Think about whether your neighbors can see into the rooms and if any outside space is overlooked. There may be easy remedies, but it’s best to consider things now, so you don’t feel like you’re living in a fishbowl.
If parking is shared, ask if it’s allocated. Your idea of what’s fair when it’s communal might not coincide with other people’s.
5. Think About Space and Storage
Before you decide on the furniture in each room, assess if it is possible to move freely throughout the space or if any doors and pathways become blocked by your desired furnishings. If so, would you like a similar number of furniture as what was previously there?
When you examine bedrooms, pay close attention to the size of beds. It can be deceiving when a homeowner has a double bed in what appears to be an expansive space; but if you prefer something bigger like a king-size bed, it won’t fit, and that’s not ideal.
Before investing in a new kitchen or refreshing your bathroom with fitted cabinetry, it’s important to consider if the built-in storage is enough for your needs. Vacuum cleaners and ironing boards are useful items; however, they can be bulky. Furthermore, when considering bedroom furniture like wardrobes, consider whether current ones will suffice or if you need additional pieces. Lastly, make sure there is extra room for any additions!
6. Get Curious About Electrical Wiring
Before buying a home, inspect every room for electrical outlets. If the home is older and has fewer sockets than desired, it will cost extra money to add more. Moreover, if the house’s wiring is outdated or inadequate, consider how much it will cost to re-wire and what an inconvenience that could be.
7. Give Attention to Plumbing
If the boiler is outdated, it could be necessary for you to purchase a new one soon, which can take an extra toll on your finances. Additionally, observe any visible piping in both the bathroom and kitchen: replacing old plumbing may prove difficult, so choose pipes that have been well taken care of. Moreover, beware of any strange odors in these areas as well.
8. Evaluate the Expense of Major Purchases
Revamping the walls with a new coat of paint is simple, yet large-scale domestic renovations can be expensive. Therefore, consider their financial implications or ascertain if you’re content with leaving them as they are.
Pay attention to the following:
- Kitchen
- Bathroom(s)
- Flooring
- Window treatments
9. Analyze the Home’s Security Status
When evaluating a new home, check the locks on all windows and doors. If they need upgrading, factor in the cost of increased security into your overall budget – not only will it lower insurance premiums, but it will also provide peace of mind for you and your family.
Additionally, take note of the security of the front door. If its fragile state indicates replacement is necessary, add it to any renovation expense plan.
10. Look Beyond the Decor
Ponder how the current owner’s preferences may affect your opinion of the property. It can be easy to let something such as gaudy wallpaper or copious decorations sway your judgment, but try not to get too hung up on them – these items will leave when they do!
On the other hand, if you’re feeling a strong connection with it all, consider whether what has grabbed you is because of things like furniture pieces and artwork – objects that won’t stay behind once sold. A useful tip: check for mobile signal strength inside the abode- would having none bother you?
11. Ask the Agent
You can rely on your agent to answer various questions during the conveyancing process. Yet, it’s always wise to be proactive and ask certain inquiries of the agent ahead of time so that you don’t waste money on fees or other costs.
Some examples include:
- Have you received the necessary permissions for any improvements or renovations done to your home? If so, were they completed by certified professionals?
- Will neighboring households bear any of the costs?
- Is access to any part of this shared with other users?
- Have the owners had any problems with the neighbors?
12. Are you Able to Upgrade It?
As you shop, consider the potential changes and renovations that can be done to the house. If it has already been extended in any way, ensure you understand what is allowed under permitted development guidelines before making any decisions. This will help inform your plans and determine how achievable they are with this particular home.
Before you commit to buying the home, inquire if a second viewing is possible to get an up-close look at the loft and investigate its ridge height. If your dream is to make your potential new house more open, do not attempt to knock down walls without consulting a professional first. Returning for another visit with someone experienced in assessing such renovations will allow for an accurate estimation of probable costs that could go into changes like this.
13. Revisit the Area Again
As a serious homebuyer, you should always take the opportunity to view the property several times. Return at various points throughout the day to understand how it looks and feels in different lighting.
Request second or even third trips inside – estate agents and owners are usually happy to oblige if they can see that you’re earnest about making a purchase.
Be sure to check out issues such as noise levels from nearby traffic every time; hop back again during varying hours for further insight into what life would be like living there!
