Are you currently looking to buy a property? It does not matter whether you are on the hunt for your first property or your fifth property, you need to approach the process with care. It is easy to get carried away once the excitement takes over, but you do need to make sure that you have your eyes peeled during the house hunting process. With that being said, read on to discover more about the warning signs you need to look out for.
The house’s history – There is only one place to begin, and this is with the history of the house. Do not be afraid to inquire about this. You should ask the property owner about any repairs that have been carried out. The last thing you want is for poorly executed renovations to come back to haunt you. Find out about when the repairs took place, whether they were a DIY job, and so on, whether it’s as simple as adding some screws to the wall or a full renovation. Plus, do not merely take the homeowner’s word for it. Make sure you invest in professional property survey services for more information about this.
A fresh coat of paint – Another warning sign you should look out for is a fresh coat of paint, especially if there is only a very small portion of paint that has been applied. This usually indicates that the homeowner is trying to cover something up.
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The electrical system – Another important element you should pay attention to when looking around the house in question is the electrical system. You will want to start by ensuring the main fuse box is all in good order. Aside from this, make sure there is not any exposed wiring or wires that do not lead to anything. Not only are outdated electrical systems expensive to fix, but they are very dangerous too.
Any covered areas – If there are any parts of the home that seem off bounds or are covered up, don’t be afraid to look behind or ask about it.
The plumbing – Finally, you also need to check out the plumbing when you are viewing a property. Flush the toilets and make sure you run the water in the kitchen and the bathrooms. This will allow you to make sure everything drains correctly and that the water pressure is adequate. Ask about the water heater too, including the location, condition, and age of it. A professional plumber will be able to carry out a sewer inspection of you if needed. The last thing you want is for there to be a huge underlying problem that will cost you thousands of pounds.
So there you have it: five of the most important warning signs you need to look out for when you are house hunting. If you are aware of all the elements above, you can make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible, and you don’t end up making a very expensive mistake.
Photo by R ARCHITECTURE
