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When viewing a house, there’s a lot to think about and so it can be easy for certain factors to slip your mind. You don’t want to come away from a viewing not being one hundred percent sure on whether or not the property could be the right fit for you. That’s why, in order to help you make the most of your next viewing, we’ve put together a handy checklist of what to look out for when viewing a house. 

What’s the area like?

Before attending the viewing it’s always a good idea to have a drive around the area and see if it suits your requirements. Consider the local amenities that are available such as pubs and shops, and look for factors that could cause potential problems such as noise or a lack of public transport links. Having a wander around the local area is also a great way to get a feel for it and to see if you could picture yourself living there. 

Is the building structurally sound?

When discussing what to look for when viewing a house, what’s on the outside is just as important as what’s on the inside. Look for any big cracks and check for signs of damp such as peeling paint or tide marks on the walls. It’s also important to look for signs of general disrepair such as loose tiles on the roof. If you do spot any of these issues, you can ask the homeowner or estate agent about it and then get a surveyor to look into it further at a later point.  

Check the plumbing

Run the taps to check the water pressure and to see how long it takes for hot water to come through. Check that the heating and radiators work and ask how old the boiler is. If it’s an old boiler then it may need replacing soon which will be another cost for you to factor into your budget. 

Check for signs of damp

Damp is one of the biggest inconveniences faced by homeowners which is why it’s such an important factor to mention when we’re discussing what to look for when viewing a house. Peeling paint, stains on the ceiling and steamed up windows are all classic signs of damp that it’s important to be aware of. 

How much storage space is there?

Storage space can be scarce, particularly in new builds. With this in mind, when thinking about what to look for when viewing a house, make sure to take note of the storage options available. Is there enough cupboard/loft/ garage space for you to store all your belongings? Remember that if you fall in love with a property but space is a slight issue, you can always put excess belongings into long term storage to prevent them from cluttering up your home. 

Which way does the house face? 

This might not be one of the first things that springs to mind when thinking about what to look for when viewing a house, however whether the house is north or south facing can have a big impact on the look and feel of the property. A home that is full of light and warmth is a lot more appealing than a home that is usually dark. 

Ask plenty of questions

Get more of an idea of the property by asking the estate agent and homeowner key questions. For example, what are the bills like? How long has the property been on the market for and how many offers have been made?  What fixtures and fittings are included in the price? Ask the owner why they are selling. This could bring to light potential problems with the property. Being friendly and building a bit of a rapport with the seller will also be beneficial if you do end up deciding to put an offer in. 

Take someone along with you

Two pairs of eyes are always better than one and so whether it’s a friend, partner or family member, be sure to take someone along to the viewing with you. They might spot something you don’t , and it’s always easier to have someone to bounce thoughts and ideas off of. 

With these top tips on what to look for when viewing a house, you should be on the way to finding your dream property. For advice on selling your own property quickly and for the best price, have a read of our previous articles on tips for house viewings from a seller’s perspective and how to add value to your home before selling. 

When you are ready to move, Hackworthy can help make the process as stress-free as possible with over 40 years of experience in removals services. Get in touch to find out more or request a quote directly through our website.