Property viewing checklist for homebuyers
It’s cliché but true: buying a home is the biggest investment of most people’s lives. Getting it right the first time is essential, so you don’t get stuck in a draining (financially and emotionally) living situation.
You should bring a property viewing checklist the first time you view a potential home. Of course, you can’t be expected to spot everything (that’s where a home survey can help). However, it’s helpful to be on the lookout for any major issues.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most obvious things to watch out for. We hope you find it useful.
Exterior checks (front and back)
The brickwork is the first thing you’ll notice as you approach the building. Watch out for significant cracks. Microscopic hairline cracks on individual bricks are nothing to worry about, but if you see a wide, long one, you should pause. This likely indicates subsidence of some kind.
You can also check the windows and fasciae from here. Fascia damage can lead to water ingression, while poor-quality or single-glazed windows offer little in terms of heat retention. You can usually see what state these are in from a quick glance.
Finally, consider the grounds, if applicable, including the driveway. While these are generally cosmetic things, they can be incredibly expensive. Big gardens look great, but they cost much more to re-lay and maintain. While here, keep an eye out for Japanese Knotweed.
Try to find an external viewpoint where you can see the roof clearly. Do a simple visual check for holes (with binoculars if you need them). Roof problems are often undetected for some time, resulting in severe water damage and rot.
Interior checks
Watch out for the following in every room:
- Damp areas on the walls or ceilings indicate a burst pipe. The leak may have been fixed, but the damage may have already been done.
- Mould patches are a health risk caused by the continual presence of moisture. These usually form in the corners of a room.
- Condensation on glass or mirrors indicates a ventilation problem in the room or home as a whole.
- Artex(this Asbestos-containing material was often used for ceilings but sometimes applied to all the walls too. It isn’t dangerous unless disturbed, but removing it is very expensive.
- Woodworm looks like a series of tiny drill holes in wood surfaces. You could find it anywhere: exposed beams, skirting boards, fasciae and even furniture.
- Feel the temperature. The heating may be turned off, but how insulated is the home? Remember, you’ll be paying the running costs and for more energy-efficient windows, heating, etc.
- See if the mains services work (and work properly). These include water, electricity, drains, septic, etc. You should also get the natural gas boiler tested, if applicable. If you find any problems, look for repair quotes and consider reducing your offer. Also, check the mobile phone service.
Checks for the kitchen
The kitchen is often one of the most moisture-laden rooms in a home. This stems from the sink, kettle, and stovetop. As such, you should check for damp-related problems, such as mould and rot.
Take a look at the quality of the kitchen itself. Remember, a new kitchen will likely cost upwards of £10,000.
The odour is a good check, too. Does it smell musty?
These are important to watch for, but none are necessarily deal-breakers.
Checks for the bathroom(s)
In the bathroom, you’re most likely to find ventilation problems. Many people don’t install adequate extractor fans or use dehumidifiers.
The main signs of moisture build-up are condensation (on windows and mirrors) and swollen window frames. You might also see black mould on seals or the excessive use of silicone.
If you see all these, bear in mind that you might have to replace it all and install suitable ventilation.
Checks for the loft
It’s perfectly reasonable to ask to see the loft. Roof problems can be costly to remedy, so this area is vital to check.
Take a torch with you and look around. The loft is often quite dingy, yes – that’s nothing to worry about. However, you should look for holes in the roof, damp patches, and evidence of woodworm on beams or floorboards.
Checks for the kitchen
The kitchen is often one of the most moisture-laden rooms in a home. This stems from the sink, kettle, and stovetop. As such, you should check for damp-related problems, such as mould and rot.
Take a look at the quality of the kitchen itself. Remember, a new kitchen will likely cost upwards of £10,000.
The odour is a good check, too. Does it smell musty?
These are important to watch for, but none are necessarily deal-breakers.
Checks for the living room
The living area doesn’t usually need any special checks besides the ones mentioned earlier. One exception is worth noting, although it isn’t found in most modern homes: chimneys.
Even if it’s bricked up, it’s well worth inspecting this thoroughly. You could have ventilation problems or find soot in your living space. Worse, a blocked-up chimney stack could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and even death if you light a fire underneath.
GB Home Surveys can help
At GB Home Surveys, we inspect homes on behalf of homebuyers such as yourself. Our team of chartered surveyors are spread throughout the South West, West Midlands, and South Wales.
We know that buying a home is a stressful (but exciting) experience, and we’re here to help. Our trained and experienced staff will look around a home on your behalf, noting every little thing they come across.
They’ll send this information in a PDF report within seven days. You’re welcome to ask them as many questions as you like as you re-evaluate (or not!) your position.
GB Home Surveys is the first chartered surveying company to offer a free, no-obligation quote calculator (with no need to leave your contact details!). Check it out by following the links on this page.
We hope to hear from you soon and wish you all the best with your homebuying experience.
