Viewing a house - things to watch out for

Legacy_user

I'm going to view a house tomorrow which appears to tick all the boxes, and which I have already fallen in love with based on the RM ad alone. I want to go into the viewing with a very critical eye, as I love the house so much that I think if I'm not deliberately critical I'll miss the downsides!

With that in mind, I've made a list of things to look at to try and keep myself in a critical frame of mind. Can anyone think of anything else to include, based on prior experience?

• Signs of damp
• Plug sockets/phone points in awkward positions
• Check the size of the bath (husband is tall and likes baths!)
• Is there enough storage space?
• Is there space for a dishwasher (we don't have one at the moment but I'd love to have one when we move)
• Where are the light switches located? (experience in rented has shown me that this can be a source of annoyance, albeit a minor one)
• Check the lock type on the front and back doors
• Check water pressure in the taps (unsure if this will be allowed)
• How overlooked is the garden?
• Check mobile phone signal in the house and garden
• Ask about the state of the loft (assuming I won't be able to go up and look on a first viewing)
• Ask when the extension was built and does it have BR (I know the EA may not know, but figure it's worth asking just in case - obviously we would follow this up if we made an offer)
• Check ceilings for cracks/signs of damp
• Ask what council tax band the property is in
• Does it look like the electrics are going to be in need to redoing soon?
• How new is the boiler? Ask EA when it was last serviced
• Is there good ventilation in the bathroom?
• Ask to look inside the garage

I think I've been fairly thorough, but it would be great to hear from other people who've got things to add (or even things that I've included which people think are OTT).

starshapedbrick

It's a good list - just bear in mind that the EA might not know answers to some questions. You can check the Council Tax band yourself online, and many Councils will also let you check Planning Applications for extensions etc. (depending on the age and extent of extension, it could be subject to Planning Permission).

If you like it enough for a second viewing (and you are already in love with it), bring a friend along to be your critical eye and if you do go for it, get a survey done.

borkid

Check internet speed if possible. Before we sold our last house the buyers asked for us to log the speed over several days at certain times because he worked from home. If you are used to a fast speed then move to a much slower one it can be a real pain.

It's a big commitment you are making so not OTT. Also return to the area at different times to check out noise/ onstreet parking etc. We even spoke to our prospective neighbours and asked about the area before we exchanged on our current place.

davidmcn

x-caitlin-x wrote: »

Check the lock type on the front and back doors

Easily enough changed

x-caitlin-x wrote: »

Check water pressure in the taps (unsure if this will be allowed)

If they leap in to stop you turning on the taps I would be suspicious!

x-caitlin-x wrote: »

Ask about the state of the loft (assuming I won't be able to go up and look on a first viewing)

I've had sellers dragging me up to admire their loft, depends how easily-accessible it is.

x-caitlin-x wrote: »

Ask when the extension was built and does it have BR (I know the EA may not know, but figure it's worth asking just in case - obviously we would follow this up if we made an offer)

You can check for (recent-ish) consents yourself on the council's website.

x-caitlin-x wrote: »

Ask to look inside the garage

Again, be suspicious if you're not invited to look!

LEJC

It's quite a comprehensive list you have there...all good although it's worth keeping in mind that even if some of the things on your list don't at the moment seem right....it's not a deal breaker...

Things like where lights are located can be changed as can plug sockets...you can possibly even update the current ones for more fancy Usb ported ones quite easily.....

Whilst I wouldnt say electrics and the positioning of things shouldn't not be considered at this stage they are something that later down the line with the help of an electrician can be positioned exactly where you want.....same with the dishwasher....when you plan your next kitchen you can look to add...

windows ....do they open an close easily and glass units if double glazed are not consensated....again not a deal breaker but might need attention and some money spending on later down the line

The things that you cant change are what you might want to focus on....like whether the garden gets sun all day ...or will my wardrobes fit in the bedroom with a double bed etc...you cant change room size,but you can change furniture....will the garage fit your car....not all do nowadays and some people are left with rather good storage units instead of a garage.

Try and get a feel for the neighbourhood by arriving for the viewing a little early...so far you have seen an advert for 1 house...but what are the houses and properties like around it...well maintained or full of rubbish in the garden....busy road or all quiet on a Saturday.

so an element of prioritising of your list might be necessary....

best of luck with your viewing

02346631

That's a good list yeah, most of the things i looked for where in there. I'd add that if you are looking at older victorian properties, check if there is a damp proof course.

https://www.thegreenage.co.uk/what-is-a-damp-proof-course-dpc/

Newer homes you don't need to worry about this but it's still worth checking for any signs of damp as you've stated. I'd also advise trying to get a good look at the roof and see if there's any missing or damaged tiles.

Checking electrics as you've mentioned is a good one as well, check to see if there's an old consumer unit in there.

PasturesNew

Your list is too big for a first viewing - the EA won't know a lot of that stuff. They tend to whisk you in/round/out at viewings ...

Check the neighbours' gardens for signs of pigeon lofts, dogs or trampolines.

[Deleted User]

Here's one we missed:

Run the shower

Turns out there was a plumbing leak the first time we used it after we moved in, and it drenched the ceiling in our kitchen. That we'd just paid to be plastered.

LandyAndy

PasturesNew wrote: »

Your list is too big for a first viewing - the EA won't know a lot of that stuff. They tend to whisk you in/round/out at viewings ...

Check the neighbours' gardens for signs of pigeon lofts, dogs or trampolines.

I agree.

I use first viewings to decide if I'm even interested in the property. You usually decide that in the first few minutes.

Much of what is on the list is for a second viewing. EAs think a viewing should take 15 mins which is ok for a first viewing and no good for a second. If you go back, tell them you will want more time or they will spend a lot of time tapping their watch.

System

Thanks, everyone. Some really useful stuff here Even if we don't get to look at it all on our first viewing, it's good to have an idea of things to consider if we get as far as a second viewing. It's also really helpful to know what's reasonable and isn't as far as turning things on and checking things ourselves, so special thanks for that, davidmcn!

I didn't realise you could check things like planning and council tax bands online (FTB so never had to think about these things before). We'll have some Googling to do tonight before the viewing

LEJC

LandyAndy wrote: »

I agree.

I use first viewings to decide if I'm even interested in the property. You usually decide that in the first few minutes.

Much of what is on the list is for a second viewing. EAs think a viewing should take 15 mins which is ok for a first viewing and no good for a second. If you go back, tell them you will want more time or they will spend a lot of time tapping their watch.

I do agree with you however much depends on demand for property and whether you are in an area where sometimes the property gets viewing over the first weekend and offers on the Monday....at that stage the OP may not even be offered or be able to get a second viewing.

OP what I think is very clear and I agree with totally is the instinct within the first few minutes of entering whether the rest of your list is relevant or not.