What to look for when viewing a house
When looking at a house, every little thing matters. There could be many long-term problems if you make a terrible choice. There are many aspects that you need to think about when you are looking at different homes. You may not be capable of finding places to start your home search.
However, with the proper steps and tips, you will be able to find a great home that fits your budget and meets your needs. Here are some things you should always look for when viewing a home.
House Space
When viewing a house, you want to know more than just how it looks inside. You also want to know how much space the place offers. Don’t be afraid to ask about the size of the house and its rooms. Another thing to consider is whether or not you have a family. But if you live alone or with your partner, a tiny house is more affordable and costs less to keep clean.
Check all the rooms
It’s easy to get excited about looking at an open house and forget that an open door can make a lot of dust and spiders. Walkthrough all the rooms, but don’t rush. Check every room for dirt on the floor and holes.
Living room:
The living room is where you spend most of your time relaxing or having fun with friends and family. It would be best if you thought about what’s behind the walls. Don’t be easily swayed by decor. Instead, look more closely at the style and layout you want.
Bedroom:
The first thing you should look for in a bedroom is enough space. It would be best if it had a wardrobe in it. If your bedroom has a lot of windows, this is great because it will save money on electricity since you won’t need the lights on during the day.
Many bedrooms might look the same at first glance, but some might have better storage options than others. Also, having an extra room for kids is ideal for raising a family at home.
Kitchen:
There should be enough space in the kitchen for all your appliances and furniture.
As soon as you move into a new kitchen, there should be space for things like cupboards and drawers. Check the appliances, like the dishwasher and the oven. Any faults could cost a lot of money. Look for signs of moisture or mould on walls and ceilings, behind furniture, and under the sink.
Bathroom:
People want to see bathrooms that have floors that are easy to clean because bathrooms are wet places used by many people daily.
It might be a good idea to find out if there are any hidden problems with damp.
Take a look at the bathroom to ensure there aren’t any leaks or water damage and that all the taps and showers work.
Also, make sure that all of the toilets flush. It will help save money on your water bill and be more convenient.
Garage:
If it’s only big enough for one car, even if there are two spaces, the second space will only be suitable for storage or as a workshop if there are two. If you don’t have a car, you could use the garage as an office or a gym.
In the basement, no one likes a musty-smelling place. It doesn’t matter if the basement is finished. Check the walls and floor for signs of water damage. Look for peeling paint or wallpaper, and if you can, look at the ceiling to see if there are any signs of water damage.
Utilities
Look for signs of flickering lights and broken outlets all over the house. Turn on all the lights, flush all the toilets and run the faucets to make sure everything works.
You can also check the gas appliances to ensure they are working correctly. If they aren’t, they can be dangerous and can cause a fire.
Structural Problems
Foundation:
It’s a good idea to look for peeling paint or holes in the walls. If there is a lot of damp, these could be signs of structural issues.
Roof:
The roof may have a lot more problems if some tiles are missing. This could mean that there are leaking pipes or drainage problems. Be on the lookout for mould or stains on ceilings and walls.
Make sure that it’s safe
Is there anything dangerous about the house? You should pay attention to every little detail. You can also look at the crime statistics in your area to see if any risks could make the house less safe.
Check out the neighbourhood
The location is the most important thing to think about. So if you buy a house and then decide you don’t like where you live, you’ll have to move again, which can be an expensive process. You can check if there are any schools, parks, shopping facilities nearby, or public transport.
When you meet with the sellers or the real estate agent, prepare a list of essential questions that they can answer for you.
- House duration in the market
- Reason for the owner to sell the house
- Date of home built
- Materials used in construction
- Recent renovations or additions
- Structural problems with the home
Buying a home is a considerable investment, and it’s not one you want to take lightly. Take your time and be thorough when looking for a house.
After reading this, you now have everything you need to find the right home. You can use your instincts and knowledge of the market and real estate agents to make intelligent decisions that are right for you. Enjoy house hunting!
Please check our moving house checklist.
