Property is
likely to be the biggest investment you’ll make in a lifetime, so naturally you
want to make sure that you’re getting a good deal. It can be devastating to
invest a lot of hard earned time and money into a building, only to find out
that it has serious structural issues or faulty wiring.
If you’re a
first time buyer, then there may be some more subtle warning signs that you’re
not aware of, but it’s important to know what to look out for. Fixing issues
such as damp or problems with the foundation can be incredibly time consuming
and expensive, so save yourself the hassle and learn which properties to avoid.
With this in mind, if you’re about to start house hunting, see below for our
guide to the warning signs to look out for.
Damp and mould
Damp and
mould are caused by excess moisture and this can come from several sources,
including leaky pipes, rising damp in a basement or rainwater entering your
property through cracks in windows and doors. Damp can cause serious structural
damage if left untreated and it can also cause health issues for anyone living
in the property.
It’s
especially important to be aware of damp if you have respiratory problems,
allergies or a condition like asthma, as damp can make these health problems
much worse. The presence of damp or mould also suggests that the property isn’t
well ventilated and this could mean that the problem will keep recurring. Signs
of damp include:
●Water stains on walls, ceilings or
floors
●Peeling paint or wallpaper
●Walls that are damp and cold to the
touch
●A damp, musty smell
●Black mould or mildew on walls,
ceilings or floors
●Excessive condensation on windows.
In some
cases, the property owner may have tried to disguise signs of damp with a fresh
lick of paint, so look carefully at the underside of cupboards and windowsills
if you suspect that damp is present.
External cracks
Cracks in
the exterior of the property or dropped bays are often signs of progressive
subsidence. This is a serious structural issue which means that the ground
beneath the foundations of the property is giving way, and it will continue to
do so unless the issue is fixed. Many potential buyers don’t want the expense
or hassle of fixing such a significant issue and it can make it more difficult
to obtain home insurance in some cases.
If possible,
measure any external cracks, and if they’re over 10mm wide then it’s definitely
wise to arrange a structural survey before you proceed any further. Other signs
of subsidence include cracks in interior walls or ceilings, rippling of
wallpaper (that isn’t caused by damp) and ‘sticking’ doors or window frames.
Uneven floors
Uneven
floors are usually caused by the settling or shifting of a property’s
foundation and they can be another indication that there are serious structural
issues with the property. Fixing an uneven floor can be costly and time
consuming, as you’d have to rip up the existing floor, correct the support
columns and find new flooring to match the original. In more extreme cases you
may need work on the foundations themselves, which again, can use up a lot of
time and money.
Uneven
flooring is more common in older properties, but in some cases it’s actually
not much to worry about. Some floors have had time to settle and are naturally
slightly uneven, but if in doubt, ask the previous owners about the foundations
and whether they’ve added any extra support.
The age of the boiler
The average
lifespan of a boiler is around 10 to 15 years, so it’s worth asking how old the
current boiler is in any property that you view. Boilers can be costly to
replace and you should also look for any other warning signs like leaks or a
faulty pressure relief valve.
You should
also test the hot water by turning on each of the taps; note how long it takes
for the water to heat up and make sure there’s a steady flow. A sputtering or
thin stream indicates low water pressure, or if the taps take a long time to
heat up then this could mean the house would struggle to warm up during winter.
Ownership history
If a
property has had a high turnover of different owners, there’s usually a reason
why. It’s often wise to be wary of a house that’s had several owners over the
past few years (most people consider three years or less a short length of
ownership). Perhaps there’s a nightmare neighbour that you haven’t been warned
about, or recurring issues with damp or mould.
Whatever the
reason, it’s worth investigating a property’s ownership history and finding out
what you can before you commit. In some cases, there might be no issues with
the property but it’s in a noisy area, or there aren’t any nearby schools for
those who want to start a family. It’s important to get as full a picture as
possible from previous owners, both in regards to the property and the local
area.
‘Hidden’ rooms
Be wary of
any property that has areas that are off limits, or rooms which the seller
won’t let you see in much detail. It might sound obvious, but this usually
means that there’s something to hide; from damp issues to faulty wiring or a
room that’s just generally in a poor condition. You should also ask to view the
basement or attic if possible, to make sure there aren’t signs of rising damp
or a timber issue like dry rot.
Excessive noise
Some owners
will play music during a property viewing, and while this might seem like a way
to create a homely atmosphere, it can be used to hide excessive noise. Make a
note of how loud external noises like traffic or nearby businesses are when
you’re viewing a property - is it something you think will bother you in the
long run? Single glazed properties will be more prone to external noise,
whereas double glazing provides better insulation to help keep noise at bay.
It’s also
worth paying attention to how noise travels inside the property; is the
footfall heavy when people are upstairs? Are there any creaky floorboards or
doors that are prone to slamming? If you’re viewing a flat or attached property
then it’s also worth asking about the neighbours and how noise travels; the
last thing you want is to buy a property and then find out that you can hear
every tiny noise from your neighbours.
Simon Levy Associates - Chartered Building
Surveyors in Borehamwood, Watford and Greater London
If you need
some professional help during the process of buying a property, get in touch
with the experts at Simon Levy. We’re proud to offer full building surveys,
conducted by our team of experts.
With over 30 years’ experience in the industry, we know exactly what to look
for and we’ll carry out a thorough survey of your potential future property
before you commit to an investment.
Our
structural surveys cover all internal and external areas, including an
assessment of the building’s plumbing, boundary walls, windows and doors,
external landscaping, roof and all accessible main walls. We’ll also thoroughly
assess for any defects, such as damp, timber decay, poor thermal performance
and any issues with fixtures and fittings. The results of our survey can help
you make a fully informed decision and could potentially save you thousands in
future repairs.
For more information about our structural
surveys, or any of our other services including expert witnesses, insurance
claims and building defect diagnosis, give us a call today or
visit our website.
