Buying a house is a big decision, so you want to make sure you choose the right house for you. To make sure you don’t make the wrong decision, we have put together our tips on what to look for when buying a house…
1: Know Your Must Haves
Have you been dreaming of a big backyard, an open plan kitchen, or a double garage? Before you begin your search, decide on the things that are absolutely vital to your lifestyle and hunt for those. If a house doesn’t meet your must-have criteria then don’t settle for it, you will only resent your decision in the long run.
2: Start At The Top
Before you even set foot inside the house, check the roof. If it is old and worn then it could end up costing you a lot to fix in the near future. But if it looks newer and well cared for then it should last for years to come.
3: Fresh Paint Could Be Hiding Something
Freshly painted walls look lovely, but look beyond the paint job to the base elements. Check the quality of the walls and floor, see if there is any damage, look for loose wires, and ageing appliances. If the house looks old and rickety then it probably is. The foundations matter more than the updated decor.
4: Examine The Plumbing
Check the kitchen, bathrooms and hot water cylinder for any signs of leaks, water damage, or mould. Also, check what the water pressure and temperature are like.
5: Check The Location
Look at where the house is situated. Will it be prone to flooding or exposed to the weather? What is the driveway like – is it steep, or shared with other properties, and does it have enough room for all your vehicles? Also look at the fencing and how the property is positioned for the sunlight. These are things that you cannot easily change, so it is best to cover them off before you buy.
6: Check The Insulation Situation
Houses that aren’t insulated properly can be cold and damp. Check that the walls and ceilings are well insulated to reduce heating costs in winter and cooling costs in summer. Bonus points if the windows are double glazed as that not only improves your insulation, but also your soundproofing.
7: Inspect Everything
Buying a house is one of the biggest investments you will make, so ensure you are getting your money’s worth. Before you buy, turn on all of the lights, taps and showers to check they are working. Flush the toilet, open all the doors and cupboards, check the inbuilt appliances and taste the water. Then, once you are happy with everything that you inspected, pay a professional to inspect it too.