Buying your first home is wonderfully exciting. You might have saved up for years, or spent time preparing your finances and improving your credit score in preparation. It’s something that few of us can rush into, and it’s a big deal.
This means that as well as an exciting time, it’s also pretty nerve-wracking. Viewing houses before buying your first home can be overwhelming. You are excited and eager to find the perfect house, but if you are nervous, it can be easy to forget what you are meant to look at, and there’s a few common things that first-time buyers wish they’d checked out before putting in an offer. Here are 5 of the things that you should check before buying your first home.
The Electrics
If you are looking at older houses, you might be prepared for some rewiring work. Checking out the electrics on newer homes is, however, something that we neglect. You might assume that newer houses would be well wired and safe. But mistakes are made. If a house has ever had any work done, there could be a problem.
Check for basics, like whether there are enough plug sockets in every room, and that light switches work. Then, it can also be worth getting an electrical report.
Trade Facilities Services can provide an EICR Report, which tells you if the electrical circuits are in good condition and safe to use, if there’s a risk of electric shock, if there’s any defective electrical work, and if any other electrical issues and faults are present. An EICR report can give you peace of mind as you move into your first home or help you to spot any issues in the property before it’s too late.
Water Supply
One of the easiest things to do is to turn the tap on to check the colour and pressure of the water. Low pressure can be a sign that there’s a problem with the supply or the plumbing. This shouldn’t put you off buying a house, but it’s worth knowing about.
Look for Damp
Damp can be a problem in old and new homes alike. It can also be costly to repair.
Signs of damp can include peeling wallpaper or plaster, mould around windows and doors, discoloured patches on the walls, and a musty smell, especially in less frequently used rooms. Damp can also be quite subtle, so it’s best to do a thorough check to catch it early before the damage becomes severe added a damp proofing specialist.
The Area
It can be hard to get a feel for the local area on a short viewing, but it is worth doing. Spend some time walking around, explore local attractions and amenities, and try to get a feel for the atmosphere and the kind of people that live locally.
Signs of Staging
When selling a home, people are keen to get a good price, as quickly as possible. To do this, they try to hide some of the house’s more negative qualities while highlighting the positives. Many buyers have been disappointed when they pick up the keys to their new home, only to find that it looks totally different when all of the previous owner’s furniture has left and that smell of fresh bread has gone. Try to look for signs of staging, like obviously moved furniture and open windows to mask the smell of damp. Then, do your best to imagine the house completely empty, or with your own possessions installed.
Buying a house is a big commitment. It’s worth taking your time to view as many as you can, to compare different properties, and hone your observation skills.