Property will usually be the biggest purchase any of us will make in our lives, and it follows that we should make our decision wisely. There is no point in checking a piece of property for just half an hour – you will not really see anything if you don’t spend ample time reviewing various details. Property is an investment, and we therefore need to invest time in making sure that it’s right for us. But what should you really check and inspect when you are viewing property? Do you want to make sure you are making the proper decision? Here’s what you should always remember to check when viewing property for sale: your ultimate guide.
- A structurally-sound building
First of all, make sure that the building itself is structurally sound. You can inspect property by looking for any big or huge cracks on the walls or ceilings. Hairline cracks are not too bad but look for huge cracks in specific areas such as the joining of extensions, the walls at the end of terraces, and the property’s bay windows. If you see such cracks, you can at least ask the agent or property owner about it and your surveyor can check it later on as well.
- Storage areas
Storage is another crucial consideration, especially if your family is expanding, as the expert estate agents from Beresfords attest. It’s an invaluable asset for any piece of property, but it is usually overlooked. Find out where you can keep specific items and things, such as your cleaning equipment, towels, linen, boxes of small items, and so on. Is there enough room for building shelves and cupboards? This is especially true for new builds, where space for storage can be quite scarce.
- Damp
Damp can severely affect the integrity of any piece of property, and you should check for this as well. Common signs of damp include mouldy and musty smells, plaster that easily flakes, and ceilings or walls that are watermarked. Look carefully at the areas near the ceilings as well as skirting boards, and if a room has been repainted just recently, this could be a cover-up for damp, too.
- Room space
Of course, another essential factor is the room space. In other words, are the rooms of the property big enough for what you require? There have been stories of new-build developers who place smaller pieces of furniture in various rooms to make them look bigger, so be careful. If you have existing furniture, will they fit into the available rooms in the property as well?
- Windows and double-glazing
The windows can also have a big impact on the property’s integrity, particularly in terms of the frames and the glazing. Check the window frames on the exterior – if they look like they are in good condition, it’s a sign that the owners have taken care of the rest of the home. If a wooden frame seems flimsy and you can stick your finger in, then it is rotten, so check for this as well. If there is any condensation in between window panes that are supposedly double-glazed, this means that there is damp and they are not built well. If the windows are new, make sure they have a FENSA certificate or something similar, which means that they have been installed by an approved and registered company.
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