The purchase of a house is a huge investment, that’s why it’s vital to recognize any warning signs before you part with your money which is why our checklist of house inspections can help.
Created to assist you in identifying any potential issues a house may be hiding and also to show you how to pick up on the plus points of a home’s features which other potential buyers may miss, our home checking checklist for viewing will give you all the details you need to ensure that when you put in an offer for your dream home you can be confident about the decision you make.
If you do go onto purchase the property, we would always recommend getting an inspection of the building prior to making a major investment. This is especially important for those who are planning to purchase an old or renovated house.
1. What is the Overall Condition for the House?
The first thing to do is. Before you step onto the property, stand back and scan the property for any potential problems.
While we’ll get into greater detail about this, there are a few easy checks you can perform at first, when visiting the property in person:
Are there large apparent cracks or cracks in the render or brickwork?
Does the roof look in good shape?
Are the windows right and are the glass is in place?
Are there any signs of damp, such as streaks of water or peeled paints on your walls?
Does the chimney look straight?
Are the rainwater supplies in good working order? Are they missing or blocked?
A building survey can allow you to determine if elements such as cracks are something you should be concerned about, should you decide to purchase the house. Keep in mind that the building survey differs from a mortgage valuation survey and is designed to give an overall view of the condition of the house.
2. Is it in a favorable location?
This is actually a check you can make before you view the property. It is likely that you feel comfortable with the general location a house is situated before even looking at it, but take the time to look at the local schools, services, transport routes, and so on.
In addition, take a look at the neighbouring properties If you’re planning to build an extension or alterations that might require planning permission, it can be helpful to check out what has been done to houses nearby because it will give you an idea of what local planners are willing to accept.
“It’s also worth checking the sold prices in the area. If you plan to take the plunge into major renovations and/or an extension, will the price of the project, combined with the price you’ll pay for the house over the value of the ceiling for the area or street?” begins Claire Lloyd, Editor of Homebuilding & Renovating.
“If this will be your “forever home” the property’s location may not have any significance to you. If, however, you’re planning to sell up soon, then you’ll want to ensure that the purchase helps you get on the ladder of property and won’t put you in negative equity.”
3. The Planning History Like?
This leads us nicely to planning history. A quick look at the section on planning on your local council’s website will bring up all planning applications submitted on the property and their outcomes.
This can be useful when the house, in its current state will not be sufficient for you , and you’d have to build an extension to accommodate your requirements, but a number of application for an extension has so far been rejected it might not be the right home for you.
4. Are There Scope to Expand?
The planning permission aside, is the houses for sale Burnley actually suitable for an extension? Are there enough spaces around the property to create an extension or has it already been extended beyond its limit?
If you have space in your garden that you can extend into, will this mean you have the feeling of a one house with no garden?
It’s a good idea to present the layout of the house to architects or designersThey are likely to be able to think outside the box and create ideas you might not have considered.
If you’re considering expanding, you should carry an assessment of drainage before you purchase the property — this will let you know the location of the drains that could have an impact regarding the location and how you can build.
“A drainage inspection will aid in determining whether there are any issues which require attention (such as damaged drainage pipes or drains that have not been properly connected),” says Homebuilding & Renovating’s Editor, Claire Lloyd.
“Some issues are relatively cheap to put right, while others may cost thousands- and should ideally be considered in the price you pay for your property.”
5. Is There Off Road Parking?
Although many people don’t feel the need to park off-road but it is valuable, particularly in the case of pet or children.
Take a look at where guests will park while they are staying. If you’re thinking of getting work done, you should also consider where you would put a dumpster or large deliveries.
Even if there is no off-road parking in the present can we make a new driveway? And submit a request to the local council to add the dropped kerb?
6. What condition is the Roof in?
This is an extremely important check as repairing roofing can be a costly business.
Externally, signs of roof damage can be seen in broken tiles, missing or falling off, or damaged flashings. Also, you should look for missing or crumbling edges on the verges as well as an insufficient amount of beneathfelt.
In the interior, when you are assessing a house for improvement It is important to look for indications of leaks since this could also indicate a roof structure that has suffered some form of damage.
The extent of the damage and the long it’s been in such a state will determine how much it will cost to set it right. While replacing just a few roof tiles isn’t going to cost the earth (a couple of hundred pounds should suffice) however, severe damage could result in the roof covering will need to be taken off and be replaced — a job that will cost in the PS1,000s.
If the roof has sunk into the lower rooms, it is also necessary to consider the cost of the installation of new ceilings.
7. Are the bricks in good in Good
Continue with the exterior checks Be on the lookout out for indications of damage to brickwork.
Cracked or missing mortar in the joints can require replacing the mortar. While you’re there, take a look at the chimneyis it stable or is it positioned on an angle?
“Is that the chimney, or flaunching (the mortar on the foundation of the chimney) broken? If so, this might cause an issue with damp. Both of these are fairly easy to put right, depending on how easily accessible the chimney is. But, these are tasks you must incorporate into your renovation budget,” says Homebuilding & Renovating’s Editor Claire Lloyd.
If the property is demolished in a state of decay, look for cracks- minor cracks are usually easy to repair, but bigger, more sinister, cracks could be a sign of structural shift.
8. What was the method of construction for the house?
Examining the method of construction used to construct the house can be beneficial for several reasons.
In the first place, if your house was built using solid walls and traditional materials like lime render, then you will need to ensure you use air-tight materials to repair any damage to prevent condensation or damp issues.
Solid walls are also more difficult to insulate than cavity walls (more prevalent in homes built in the postwar period after WWII).
It is important to know the kind of foundations the house is as well. Some older houses were constructed with barely any foundations, and this may cause problems when it comes to extending the building or adding more floors.
In addition, it may be difficult to secure a mortgage on a house built of “non-standard” construction. It is usually flagged in the details of the estate agent; inviting cash offers only.
9. Do Windows and Doors require replacement?
Examine doors, windows and other external joinery details like fascia boards for indications of damage and rot.
The smaller areas of wood that are rotten are often replaced, and window repair is definitely the better option than replacement. But, if the windows are in need of repair, it does pay to replace them in a similar manner so that the style of the house won’t be damaged.
If the original doors and windows have, at some point removed and replaced with unattractive versions it is possible to look at the costs that will be involved in replacing them with modern versions of the originals.
10. Are there signs of Damp?
When you are inside Look for indications of damp. Signs of dampness include:
A ‘fusty’ damp smell
Mould and damp patches appear on the walls
White salt deposits have been found on the brickwork
Crumbling plaster on walls and ceilings
Paint and peeling wallpaper
Dry or wet rot
It is essential to recognize that older homes do often have damp issues and they are usually able to be resolved.
11. Has There Been any Structural Movement?
This is an important one. While structural movements and subsidence aren’t always a cause for concern, you need to know what you’re likely face before purchasing the property.
When viewing a house, look for the following:
Cracks around windows and doors
Cracks that extend through multiple bricks (as opposed to stress cracks in the plaster or single brick)
Collapsing lintels
Windows and doors that are securing themselves to their frames
Uneven or damaged floors
If you suspect that your property is subsiding, it is crucial to call an expert to inspect the house -They will be able to provide you with advice on the severity of the issue, and also whether expensive repairs or underpinning is likely to be required.
12. Do you think a Rewire is required?
Rewiring a home will cost around P3,000 for a 3- bedroom terraced house so it is important to check whether it is a task that could be in the plans for the property you are taking a look at.
A dated fuse box, vintage light switches, fabric-coated electrical flex, and circular pin connectors all signs.
13. A New Heating System be needed?
If the property is equipped with a central heating system (some older houses in need of updating don’t) be sure to determine whether or not the heating system will require updating or replacement.
The absence of radiators or the presence of electric heaters or storage heaters is a sure-fire sign that there isn’t any central heating. Even if there’s an heating system, be sure to determine whether the boiler is old it could require a new boiler.
The old, inefficient radiators might require a refresh, and it’s worth budgeting for replacing the radiators.
14. What is the Loft like?
It is important to look over the loft. Even if you aren’t planning on a loft conversion to a loft, knowing the condition it’s currently in is vital.
Some questions to ask include Are there ample storage? Is it insulated? Is it safe to access?
If the house doesn’t have a loft, what much storage space is there within the property? Perhaps there’s an outbuilding that was built specifically for the purpose or garage? Don’t underestimate the quantity of storage space that you may need.
15. Are There Large Trees Nearby?
Although trees can be beautiful in the backyard, take the time to determine if the presence of large trees can cause issues in the near future. Might they block light or even block out light? Trees that are large in close proximity can be a structural threat to the house.
If you are contemplating an extension to your property that could mean the nearby tree has to be removed, verify there are no tree protection orders (TPOs) in place that could hinder you from completing the task.
16. Is it livable?
Also, even though it’s easy to be all beautiful about homes that require modernisation Ask yourself if it’s practical to stay on-site while any work takes place.
When cold weather hits and you’re cold in a room without warmth or hot water, surrounded by construction and construction work, you may regret your choice to camp.
If the house isn’t liveable you’ll need to think about where you will stay while construction progresses and include costs in this.
