Buying a new house is a major step in your life, so it is important to make sure you get the right one for your budget and needs, and that you have an understanding of what to look out for when viewing a property. With some great brand-new homes, like the homes sold by developers Anwyl Homes, issues are less likely to be found than if you are getting an older property, so it might be more beneficial to go for a new-build home if you can. In any case, when you go to view a property, below are a few key things to look out for to make sure you don’t get an unlikely surprise when you move into your new home.
Is there any sign of dampness?
When you go inside a property, keep an eye out for any signs of dampness. The main giveaways for it include a mouldy smell, flaky plaster, and watermarked walls or ceilings. You may already know to do this but be sure to look closely at the ceiling and around the edges of skirting boards. Another hint is that if the room has recently been repainted, it may be potentially covering damp.
Is the building structurally sound?
Large cracks are what you are looking for when checking if a building is structurally sound, but you should expect to see some hairline cracks. Pay particularly close attention to areas where extensions join, end-of-terrace walls, and bay windows, all of which have the potential to fall or bow away from the rest of the home. If you buy the property and decide to make repairs on structural damage, you will likely need a high-quality ladder or scaffold tower from BPS Access Solutions. A chartered surveyor with extensive experience could help you spot the risks and know what areas need immediate attention.
How much storage space is there?
Storage space is an extremely important but sometimes overlooked asset when you are viewing potential homes to buy. You need to check that you have enough space to house all of your possessions, whether you have a lot of storage requirements or you are more minimalist.
Which direction does the property face?
If you’re visiting a house in winter, during an especially cloudy day, or at night, it may be challenging to tell the difference between a north and south-facing property or garden. In the summer, however, it can make the difference between a home that is full of light and warmth, and one that is annoyingly dark. Also, keep in mind that with popular new additions like bi-fold doors being incorporated into more homes, in moments of unfiltered sunshine, the solar gain could make the room unbearably warm, so try and visit, and spend time in each room when the sun is out if you can.
Is there a suitable amount of power points, and are they in good condition?
Unsafe wiring can be dangerous and rewiring your new home would be expensive. Also, you should look at the fuse board as it can often give an indication as to the condition of the wiring, but a survey will confirm if it needs replacing.
It is easy to get swept up in the excitement when you’re buying a new house, but checking these and other factors will help to make sure you get the right dream home for you rather than an expensive nightmare.
