What To Keep An Eye Out For When Viewing A House

Simon Levy Associates • 4 July 2019
Dining room

The decision to move house is never an easy one, but nonetheless, it is incredibly exciting and thestart of a new chapter. Whether you are upping sticks and moving to a brand new city, or you are looking for a larger property for a growing family - below, we have collated a range of different things to keep an eye out for, and keep in mind when viewing a house, flat or apartment.

Damp

Noticing any visible signs of damp is a must when looking around a home. Damp can not only be a sign of structural damage but also it can be a cause for mould, respiratory problems and an unsightly smell. Not only can this be expensive to fix, but also it can be indicative of a larger problem with the structure of the house like poor aeration. Make sure to inspect behind sofas, beds, wardrobes and other pieces of furniture to spot any large dark spots.

Space

Even if you have fallen head over heels for a quaint rose-covered cottage, or a large period home, you need to think practically about the available space in the home and whether you need it. If you are having a growing family - then you need to anticipate how much space will be taken up by the inevitable accumulation of nappies, toys, baby products and more.

Plus, if the space is large, you need to anticipate that it could be drafty and thus more difficult or costly to heat.

Period features

You may be initially charmed by unique period features in a home, and whilst they bring plenty of individual character to a property you need to take these into consideration before signing on the dotted line.

For instance, these period features could be grade listed meaning that they not only require specialist restoration work but they could prohibit you from some house renovations.

Amenities

Though all households will have basic amenities, you need to make sure whether these are energy efficient, as this will not only impact the environment but also they could be costly to run.

Plus, look out for any extras like driveways, parking, garages, smart technology and other features that could impact your decision and livelihood.

Location

One of the key decision makers in deciding a house, location is integral to your new home. For example, if you are an expanding family - you will want to be close to local schools or near green recreational spaces.

Plus, if you don’t drive, you might want an area that isn’t surrounded by main busy roads and that also has good transport links.

All of these factors above should influence your decision, but nothing compares to a house that looks and feels like a home from the moment you walk in the door. Before purchasing, make sure to hire a building survey. Our expert team of chartered surveyors can help spot any house blind spots and ensure that your chosen house is really your perfect home. Simply contact us today to find out more.

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