Searching for a new home can be a fun and exciting experience, although occasionally, it is stressful. There are many things people look for when they’re buying a new home, such as the number of rooms, whether or not it has a garden, basement, attic, garage, etc.
It is always necessary to buy a property based on your needs, whether your plan to live their alone or with a partner or your family. However, it is very important that you remember to look out for these things when you’re viewing a property as purchasing a home with these problems could lead to expensive repair work and other problems.
Damp
Damp is a common problem for many homes and it can be caused by poor insulation, ventilation, leaks, or just a lack of good quality damp-proofing. Signs of damp are black mold in the corners of rooms or on the walls, a musty smell, peeling wallpaper or flaky paint and excessive condensation on the windows. Damp issues can be fixed, but depending on the severity of the issue, it could be an expensive job.
Signs of Pests
One of the worst things a homeowner can deal with is an infestation of rodents or other creepy-crawlies in their house. Unfortunately, this isn’t an uncommon problem as these critters manage to get into small gaps and hard-to-reach places. Although traps and other techniques can resolve these issues, keep an eye out for any signs of these while you’re viewing the property to avoid having to deal with this when you move in.
Roof Damage
If you can, ask to view the attic space in the house while you’re there. It isn’t always easy to spot roof damage but these issues can be a big problem if you’re not careful. If you see light coming in from outside the attic, or missing shingles on the roof when you go outside, this can be signs of roof damage. However, minor repair work can be carried out by professionals like Next Wave roofing at a reasonable price.
Floors
Damaged floorboards can be a big safety hazard and you should take note of any sagging spots on the floor as you walk around the property. Creaking floorboards are normal, but if any feel uneven or straining to take the pressure of a person’s weight, that is a concern. You might not be able to lift the carpets to inspect the wood underneath during your viewing, but if you can it might be worth a look.
Storage
Finally, consider how much storage space the property has. If there aren’t many closets or sufficient space in the basement or attic, this could be a problem for you later on. Although you’re likely to get rid of some clutter before you move, it can build back up again easily and this could be a problem. It’s always better to have more space than you think you need in order to make room for extra stuff you might purchase in the future.
When you buy a new property there will be a thorough inspection of the overall condition of the house, but it’s worth trying to look out for these things on your initial viewing as it might save you some time and money.
