Final Viewing before Exchange.. tips needed!

Toots0293

I’ve got a final viewing at the house I’m buying coming up this week, with exchange due to happen next week. I’ve seen the house twice before, but going back to measure up and get one last look at the place before I sign my life away (at least it feels that way!)  

Any advice for things I should do / look out for at this stage? It’s been a quick process so far - from beginning to end it will be just under 12 weeks - and I can’t believe I am this close now! (FTB). 

Irishpearce26

I guess just the general condition of walls and floors if the sellers have started packing. Check your fixtures and fittings form to make sure what they say is staying hasn't been removed.

MaryNB

Check lock types on external doors, check if all the window are lockable, if the burglar alarm works etc. You'll need a lot of that info for your house insurance which is required from exchange. 

AdrianC

You've already decided you want to buy it, so unless you think you're going to be getting cold feet, then a pre-exchange visit is to get a baseline of condition in case of any post-completion issues.

If you want to measure up for any fixtures or fittings or new furniture that you'll need immediately, then this is a good opportunity.

youth_leader

Congratulations at such a fast conveyance and good luck in your new home. 

I only had one 15 minute viewing because of Covid and the seller was nervous, I didn't like to ask to view again before exchange.  During the viewing I was ushered around very quickly.   

I wish I'd asked what the worktop and kitchen cupboards were made of, I didn't realise they were MDF and vinyl wrapped.

I also wish I'd asked if the shower and toilet worked properly (high pitched screaming noise from shower, loo drips for about 30 minutes after flushing), where the keys to the windows were (none), whether the gutters had been cleared recently (no, flood every time it rains), and how old the white goods she was leaving were.  The white goods here all need replacing as they are so old and don't work properly.  I also wish I'd refused the 'useful' items she offered to leave, can't even give this Billy bookcase away.

AlexMac

MaryNB's advice is good; I always change the main door lock myself on completion day, so if you're up for DIY have a look at what type it is; even the "Euro Locks" on plastic double glazed doors are easy (google it)

And for the goodwill, maybe a bunch or flowers, or more transportable as they're moving soon, a bottle of fizz?  

user1977

Check attic for junk they weren't planning to remove / undisclosed tenants, etc...

MaryNB

If you are measuring up for furniture, also check if you can get the larger pieces through doors and around narrow corridors. My house is 120 years old with some very narrow doors. Even basic stuff like getting the washer dryer into the kitchen was a nightmare. Along with a tape measure I brought a laser distance measurer which sped the process up quite a bit.

And of course don't order anything until you've exchanged and don't get anything on finance until you've completed. 

owenjt

I'd be checking things like central heating, water pressure, check where lockable window keys are, make sure all fixtures and fittings agreed are there.

MaryNB said:

Along with a tape measure I brought a laser distance measurer which sped the process up quite a bit.

These are great! I bought one for viewing houses and it's so much easier, quicker and more accurate than using a standard tape measure.

luckbox

Mobile reception if you haven’t chosen a provider that has WiFi calling

Skiddaw1

youth_leader said:

can't even give this Billy bookcase away.

I love Billy bookcases! We have several. If I lived nearer and we didn't have sufficient book cases now I'd take it off your hands like a shot. What a pity no-one wants it! Really surprised. One of IKEA's finest hours IMO.