A new home is a huge investment, that’s why it’s vital to know any indications of trouble before you sign a contract This is where our checklist of house inspections can help.
Created to assist you in identifying any issues a property may be hiding as well as showing you how to pick up on the positive aspects of a home that other prospective buyers may miss, our home checking checklist for viewing will give you all the pointers you need to ensure that when you submit an offer on the dream home you can be confident in your decision.
If you do go onto buy the property, we’d strongly recommend that you obtain an assessment of the structure prior to making any major investments. This is especially relevant when you’re planning to purchase a renovation project and/or period property.
1. What is the Overall Condition of the House?
The first thing to do is. Before you set onto the property take a step back and look over the property for any potential problems.
We’ll be in more in depth on this, there are several simple tests you can conduct first when you visit the houses for sale Burnley on your own:
Are there any significant, obvious cracks in the render or brickwork?
Does the roof look in good shape?
Are the windows level and the glass is in place?
Are there any signs of damp, such as streaks of water and peeling paint on your walls?
Do you think the chimney is straight?
Are the rainwater goods in good order or are they missing or blocked?
A building survey will inevitably allow you to determine if cracks or other issues are something you should be concerned about, should you come to purchase the house. Be aware that the survey for a building differs from an appraisal of mortgages and is designed to give an overall assessment of the condition of the property.
2. Is it in a Good Location?
This is a simple check that you can perform prior to view the property. You probably already be aware of the general area that a home is located before you even visit it. However, you should take the time to research the local schools, facilities, transportation routes and the like.
Additionally, take a look at the neighbouring properties — if you are contemplating an extension or other modifications that require permission from the planner, it could be helpful to check out what has been done to adjacent homes as it should give you some indication of what the local planners are willing to take into consideration.
“It’s also worth checking the prices of homes sold within the area. If you’re planning for major renovations or an extension, will your cost for the work in conjunction with the amount that you pay for your property surpass the ceiling value for the area or street?” begins Claire Lloyd, Editor of Homebuilding & Renovating.
“If this will be your ‘forever home’ and you’re planning to stay there forever, this might not really matter to you. If you do plan to sell up within the next few years, then it is important to ensure that the purchase helps you climb up the property ladder — not place your equity in a negative position.”
3. The Planning History Like?
That brings us right back to the planning history. A quick look at the planning section of your local council’s website will provide all planning applications made on the property, and the results.
This is important when the house, as it is may be too small for you and you’d need to construct an extension to accommodate your needs, however, a lot of applications for extensions have so far been rejected it might not be the perfect property for you.
4. Is There Scope to Expand?
The planning permission aside Is the house adequate to be extended? There is enough space around the property to create an extension or has it already been extended to its limits?
Even if you have room in the garden to extend into, will this mean you have a home that is all one house with no garden?
It’s helpful to show the plans of the house to architects or designers- they are likely to have the skills to think outside of the box and create ideas you might not have thought of.
If you’re planning on expanding, you should carry out drainage survey before you buy the property it can help you determine the location of the drains which could have implications about how and where you could extend.
“A drainage inspection will help you to identify whether there are any current issues that need to be addressed (such as cracked drainage pipes or drains that have not been properly connected),” says Homebuilding & Renovating’s Editor, Claire Lloyd.
“Some issues are relatively inexpensive to fix, whereas others can cost thousands of dollars- and should ideally be included in the price you pay for your property.”
5. Is there off-road parking?
Although many people don’t feel the need to park off-road, it really is so valuable, particularly for families with young youngsters or animals.
Think about where visitors will park when they come to stay. If you plan on doing work, you must also consider where you would put a skip or any large deliveries.
Even if there is no off-road parking available can we make a new driveway? And apply to the local council for the dropped kerb?
6. What state What Condition is your Roof in?
It is a crucial examination as fixing the roof could be an expensive business.
Externally, the signs of roof damage can be seen in broken tiles, broken or missing tiles or damaged flashings. Also, look for missing or crumbling pointing on the verges and the absent underfelt.
In the interior, when you are assessing a home for renovation it is essential to check for signs of leaks because this could also indicate a roof structure that has suffered some form of damage.
The severity of the damage as well as the long it has been in the same condition will determine the amount they will need to set it right. While replacing just a few roof tiles will not cost a fortune (a couple of hundred pounds would cover it) the damage that is extensive could cause the entire roof to will need to be taken off and repaired — a process that can cost into the PS1,000s.
If the roof has sunk into the lower rooms, it is also necessary be prepared for costs for replacement ceilings, too.
7. Is the Brickwork in Good in Good
As you continue to check the exterior Keep an eye for any signs of damage to the brickwork.
A crumbling or missing mortar inside joints may require repointing. While you’re there, take a look at the chimneyis it sturdy or is it positioned with an angles?
“Is the chimney pot or the flaunching (the mortar upon which the chimney pot sits) damaged? If yes, it could be causing an issue with damp. Both of these are fairly easy to fix, based on how easy the chimney is, but should be jobs you include in your renovation budget,” says Homebuilding & Renovating’s Editor Claire Lloyd.
If the house is rendered with cracks, make sure you check them outMinor cracks are typically repairable, however larger cracks that are more serious could be a sign of structural movement.
8. What Was the Construction Method of the House?
Investigating the construction method of the house is beneficial due to a variety of reasons.
If the home was built with solid walls with traditional materials like lime render, you’ll have to make sure you choose breathable suitable materials for any repairs to prevent condensation or damp issues.
They are also more difficult to insulate than cavity walls (more typical in homes built after WWII).
It is crucial to find out what kind of foundations are in place too — some old houses were built with hardly any foundations. This could present issues when it comes to expanding the house or adding any additional floors.
In addition, it may be difficult to secure a loan on a property that was built with “non-standard” construction. This will often be flagged in the information provided by the estate agent; inviting cash offers only.
9. Are Windows and Doors need to be replaced?
Be sure to inspect windows, doors, as well as other exterior joinery components including fascia boards, to see if there are signs of damage and rot.
Smaller areas of decayed timber can often be replaced and window repair is definitely better than replacement. If windows are beyond repair, it really is worthwhile to replace them with a similar model to ensure that the look of the home isn’t destroyed.
If the original windows and doors haveat one time been taken away and replaced with ugly versions You might want to consider the cost associated with replacing them with modern versions of the originals.
10. Are There Signs of Damp?
Once inside the home, look for signs of damp. Tell-tale signs of damp include:
A ‘fusty’ damp smell
Mould and damp patches appear on the walls
White salt deposits appear on the brickwork
Crumbling plaster on ceilings and walls
Wallpaper peeling and painting
Wet or dry it will rot
It is crucial to realize that older homes do generally have damp issues and they can usually be solved.
11. Have There Been any Structural Movement?
This is an important one. Although structural subsidence and structural movement do not always mean disaster but you must know what you’ll be dealing with before buying a house.
When you’re looking at houses take note of the following:
Cracks around windows and doors
Cracks that go through many bricks (as in contrast to stress cracks in the plaster or one of the bricks)
Collapsing lintels
Windows and doors that are securing themselves to their frames
Uneven floors or damaged floors
If you suspect subsidence it is essential to get an expert to take a examine the propertyThey will be able to give you advice on the seriousness of the issue, and also whether expensive solutions or underpinning are likely to be required.
12. Is a Rewire Required?
Rewiring a home will cost around P3,000 for a 3- bedrooms terraced house. Therefore, it is important to check whether this is a job that could be in the plans for the property you are taking a look at.
A dated fuse box, old-fashioned light switches, fabric-coated electrical flex, and the round-pin plugs all a sign of the times.
13. Do you think a new heating system will be needed?
If the home in question is heated by a central system (some historical houses in need of updating do not), do check whether or not the heating system will require replacing or updating.
An absence of radiators and the presence of electric heaters or storage heaters is an obvious sign that there isn’t a central heating system. Even if you have a heating system, check whether the boiler is old It could be that you need a new one.
Older, less efficient radiators may need to be replaced, which is why it’s a good idea to budget for replacement a radiators.
14. What is the Loft Like?
Be sure to check out the loft. Even if you aren’t planning for a loft conversion to a loft, knowing the condition it’s currently in is vital.
Questions to ask, include Are there enough storage space? Are they insulated? Is it safe to access?
If the house doesn’t have a loftarea, how many storage spaces are available within the property? Perhaps there’s an outbuilding that was built specifically for the purpose or garage? Do not underestimate the amount of storage space you could need.
15. Are there any large Trees Nearby?
Although trees can be beautiful in the garden, take time to consider whether the presence of large trees can cause issues in the near future. Are they able to block light or block the view of other trees? For instance, large trees in close proximity can have a structural impact on the structure of the home.
Also, if you are planning to build an extension on your property that may mean that trees nearby need to be removed, ensure that there aren’t any trees protection orders (TPOs) in place that would hinder you from completing the work.
16. Can it be lived in?
In the end, while it’s easy to become all over the place about houses that require modernisation Ask yourself if it’s feasible to stay on the property while any work takes place.
If cold weather strikes and you’re cold in a cold room, without heat or water, surrounded by construction work that you don’t like, you could regret the choice to camp.
If your house isn’t livable, you will need to decide the best place to stay during construction is in progress and include costs in this.
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