Buying your first home is an exciting prospect. You can kiss those dodgy landlords goodbye for good, be free to decorate the way you want, and you finally get a space to call your own. However, it’s easy to get swept up in the exhilaration of getting on the property ladder and many people forget to check the crucial details surrounding the condition of the house.
Investing in your first property is a huge financial decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly, especially because it’s likely you’ll be living there for some time. From checking the structure of the roof to examining the heating system, there are a number of important things to investigate to ensure you make an informed decision when buying your first home.
Here are some tips to help you assess the condition and suitability of a house that’s on the market.
Check for damp
Damp and mould in the home can carry health risks including respiratory issues like respiratory infections, asthma and allergies so it’s important to check this isn’t an issue when viewing a property.
The main signs of damp are a mould-like smell, flaking plaster and water marks on the walls or ceiling. A repainted patch may also be an indicator that damp or mould is present in the property.
Check the plumbing and heating systems
Before buying a property it’s crucial to ensure the plumbing and heating systems are fully functional and have been serviced recently. Check the radiators work to make sure the heating is effective and find out when the boiler was last replaced.
Getting plumbing work done and replacing boilers can be extremely expensive, so it’s best to identify any maintenance that needs sorting out before you agree to buy the property.
Ask about the roof, gutters and drains
Roofs don’t last forever, so it’s important to ask the estate agent if there are any missing or cracked tiles. As with plumbing and heating maintenance, roofing can cost a lot to repair, so it’s best to find out the situation before you get stuck with a hefty bill.
The condition of the gutters and drains is also important to be aware of, so be sure to ask about these too. You’ll want to know if they are new, clean, and how effective they are at moving water when it rains.
Question the homeowner
The best person to answer questions about what it’s like to live in the property is the current owner, so ask if they can be present at some point so you can grill them on all the details you need to know. Ask what the neighbours are like, what the utility costs for the property tend to be and if there’s a particular reason they’re moving on.