Buying a new home can be incredibly stressful. There’s so much to think about, it can be easy to forget to check everything you want in a new home.
According to studies, 26% of people view their home once before buying it, while 43% viewed the property twice, 21% three times and 11% four or more times, proving that most house buyers feel the need to go back multiple times to make sure the house is right for them.
RubberBond have acknowledged how frustrating this can be, and have come up with a few graphics that outline EVERYTHING you need to consider when buying a home, looking at both the interior and exterior as well as the surrounding area, so you can simply refer to these any time you need to, and hopefully, you’ll only have to visit a property once to find out everything you need to know before you consider buying.
Exterior
- Roof – Age / Flat or Pitched / Missing Tiles
- Windows – Double Glazing / Frame Cracks / Condensation
- Orientation – Which way does the house face?
- Cracks – Bricks / Plaster / Wood
- Extensions – Is there any room for developments?
- Parking – Garage / Drive / Road Side
- Weeds – In particular, Japanese Knot Weed
An aesthetically pleasing house will reach a higher value but not only do we want a good looking property we want one in good working order. Check the roof and guttering for quality and condition as you don’t want any potential leakage, double glazed windows are popular and are much better insulated than single glazed. Look for cracks, external damp, and for any condensation on the windows. Look for land where you can perhaps expand on or use for extra parking which will also add value longer term.
Interior
- Attic – Access / Space / Could it be improved?
- Power Points – Where are they situated? What condition are they in?
- Cracks – Plaster
- Damp
- Phone Service
- Safety – What are the Locks like on the Doors and Windows?
- Floors – Any unusual dips or sagging, especially in the bathroom
- What’s Included – Fridge / Washing Machine
- Plumbing – Are the pipes insulated?
- Storage Space
- Room Size – Are they big enough and is there room to grow?
Internal damp is something you can spot quickly with the naked eye or by smell, cracks in plaster, paint discolouration or wallpaper curling are tell tale signs. Does the property have adequate plumbing and electrics? Phone points? WI-FI? If the property has good quality fitted kitchens and bathrooms already installed this can also add value.
Surrounding Area
- Are you under a flight path?
- Dilapidated Buildings nearby?
- Is there a local Dump?
- Crime Rates
- Is there a reputable school nearby?
- Is there local transport nearby?
- Trees – Could they block sunlight or views?
- Shops in walking distance
- Building work / scaffolding
- Pubs / takeaways / bars nearby
Locally is your property in the right place for you? List your needs, if renting a property list your tenants needs? Good transport links, access to shops, amenities, the work place and close to local schools are essential when renting out. For yourself it might be more simple, near a nice a pub, or in a quiet location? A south facing garden perhaps? You can check things out like council plans for the area or on crime rates and transport, local school oftsed reports and much more online… Do your due diligence, get a property survey done before you buy and if the property ticks more boxes than not and you feel happy enough to make the sacrifice then why not take the next step and after all checks are in place go ahead with that dream home purchase.
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Daniel Peacock