If you’re in the market for a new home it pays to do your research. Buying a house or apartment is most likely your largest investment, so knowing as much as you can about any potential defects or problems will save you money in the long term. We’ve put together a checklist of things to look for when buying a house.
Strange smells
You’re likely to notice any smell immediately on entering the house when viewing. A damp smell could be a sign of a poorly ventilated home or a mould or mildew problem. Pet smells can often only be eliminated by some serious cleaning or even total removal of the carpeting.
Uneven floors
When walking through the home take note of any uneven flooring. The more obvious the up and down the floor is, the more likely a total re-pile will be necessary; bad piles are usually a good indication that a lot will need doing with the house.
Light or dark
How much natural light is coming in through windows and where is the sun in relation to the home? Are the lights on? Most often viewings take place in homes at the best time of day for the sun, so if the lights are on in a room it may mean the room is always dark and gets very little natural light.
Room size
Consider the size and shape of the rooms and whether or not you’ll have enough space to fit your furniture in. Can the bedrooms fit a bed of any size or will you be limited because of the size of the room? In practical terms a single bedroom needs to be at least 2.5m by 2.5m, whilst a small double should be 3.0m by 3.0m. Does the shape of the room prevent it from being useful?
Storage space
Newer homes will likely be fitted with built in cupboards and ample storage space, but older homes may not have wardrobes in all bedrooms. Check for storage space as the lack of a wardrobe in a room could impact on its usability, especially if the room is already quite small.
Garaging
Today’s homes need to be practical and functional when it comes to garage space, as off-street parking is often at a premium. Many older homes have a garage that is too small to fit cars of today. Check to see that your car can fit down the drive and in the garage, and that there is at the very least off-street parking. To have just enough room to squeeze out of a medium sized car, the very smallest dimensions for a usable single garage are 3.0m by 6.0m internally, while a usable double is 6.0m by 6.0m.
Laundry
Check to see where the laundry is located and how its location will affect usability. In many newer homes the laundry may be located in a cupboard or storage area so that it’s out of the way. How will the noise of the washing machine and dryer impact on your home? Is there an area to hang out your washing? And if there is a washing line, is it well-located in an area that is likely to get sufficient sun?
Neighbours
To give you an insight into what sort of neighbourhood you would be buying into, compare the state of the house with others on the street. Is yours the best or worst? What about the properties bordering the house? Have a peek over the fence; is the section maintained? Are there any dogs and if so are they in a fenced area and do they seem friendly?
Buying your home
Whether it’s a new build or an older home, get as much information as you can before you commit to buying. If you’ve already found your dream home and you need to talk finance, get in touch with our team and let’s make your dream a reality.
