What to look for in final walkthrough

alri08

I am due to exchange on my new place next week. My solicitor has advised having a final viewing before exchange to make sure everything is as it should be. The property was a rental and (as I understand it) the tenants moved out in August.

What should I be looking out for when I do the viewing? I am thinking, turn on all the lights, make sure the central heating works, check it really is empty. Anything else?

jimbog

Taps work
toilet flushes
shower working 
keys for windows/garage identified

EssexHebridean

Above all, you are looking for anything which has materially changed since you viewed, and agreed to purchase. Also anything which differs from the forms you should have been given copies of - Fittings and Contents and property information forms, notably. 

It might also be worth you taking details of the relevant size for any locks that need changing, too - as the place has been tenanted you will want to be doubly on top of changing those from day 1, and having the relevant locks waiting is going to be easier than trying to find time on completion day to go and sort it! 

our_des

As above have mentioned, check things run/flush/turn on and nothings missing that is on the fittings & contents list or shouldn't be left. If there's a gate in the garden with a padlock, check theres a key for that too.

You can also use this as a chance to take any quick measurements for furniture/curtains you need to buy. We also bought an ex rental, tenants had moved out in late August and we completed February. I took my ipad with the estate agents floor plans downloaded to it and as we walked around I made notes of where electrical sockets were (so I could plan where I wanted things to go) and which rooms needed tlc 1st. I had polyfilla in my pocket the day we got the keys because I'd noticed so many nail holes or chips that I hadn't seen on the 1st viewing.

Also check how clean the oven is, the oven in my brother in laws new house looked like it had never been cleaned and after 2 days trying himself to he ended up getting a cleaner in.

Maahes

Check that the tenants aren't still there

DullGreyGuy

alri08 said:

I am due to exchange on my new place next week. My solicitor has advised having a final viewing before exchange to make sure everything is as it should be. The property was a rental and (as I understand it) the tenants moved out in August.

What should I be looking out for when I do the viewing? I am thinking, turn on all the lights, make sure the central heating works, check it really is empty. Anything else?

Once you sign you are committed to buy. As its now empty it will be much easier to see if there was a gaping hole behind the sofa you didnt see on first review or if the tenant has taken half the kitchen units with them

Given its been empty a few months and we are coming into winter the water and/or electric may have been turned off so things may not be possible to check if working. 

In addition to what's already been stated, checking what security there is, for the purposes of your insurance before you complete. Check if there is an alarm and remember to ask for the pin if there is one. 

Check any of the fixtures and fittings are in line with expectations 

Albermarle

Maahes said:

Check that the tenants aren't still there

Or if there are still signs someone is living there.

alri08

Thanks everyone 🙏 lots of useful suggestions 

Murphybear

Finally,n get a bottle of champagne (or other drink) for when you move in

youth_leader

Have a look at Phil Spencer's website Moveiq, there is a very useful second viewing checklist.  I didn't have a pre-exchange viewing and wish I had, I might have sniffed out the £20K worth of damp work I've had to do.