We often get so excited when we are buying a house that we get blinded by the problems the house may have. This can be a very costly mistake as the cost of building and materials are exorbitant these days. Knowing what to look out for and doing a thorough check of the house can be the difference between owning your dream home and being trapped in a money pit.
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Rather spend some money upfront on getting professional advice, than only discovering all the hidden problems when you have already purchased the house”
So let’s have a look at the important things you need to check out for.
Damp – Is there rising damp? This is particularly common in older houses as they were built in a time when there was no such thing as DPC (Damp Proof Course). This can be sorted out by injecting a waterproofing liquid into the cavity between the outer brick skin and the inner brick skin. This is however, very time consuming and can turn out to be costly.
Roof – Does the roof leak? Does it have holes or tiles missing? This is a very important issue to look out for. If your house is not watertight, it is going to be damp, cold, and smelly.
Structure – Are there cracks everywhere? Are they vertical or horizontal? Does the floor subside? Cracks are a common occurrence in houses. It just depends on what cracks they are. If they are horizontal then they are not much of a problem. If, however, they are vertical, then this could mean structural problems, especially if these cracks are located above doors or windows. If you are in any doubt, rather seek the advice of a structural engineer.
Plumbing – Is there a damp smell? Are there puddles of water and mould? Plumbing can be a troublesome problem. Run all the taps, flush the toilets, and check in the cupboard under the sink. Look for signs that there is a problem and then assess if they are major or minor problems.
Electrical Wiring – The electrical compliance certificate is one of the most misunderstood areas. Its purpose is to ensure that electrical wiring, appliances and fittings have been correctly installed and do not pose a safety hazard or fire risk. It does not, however, guarantee that all electrical appliances and fittings in the property are in good working order.
Drainage and Flooding – Poor drainage systems around the exterior of the home can lead to water and damp problems in lower lying areas of the property. This can compromise the foundation of the structure as well as cause mould. Water penetration can be very destructive and expensive to remedy. Make sure all drainage areas direct water away from the home. You should also check that gutters and downpipes are well-maintained.
Ventilation – Does the house smell damp? Are the ceilings mouldy? Poor ventilation can cause mould and foul smells in your house. A house with improper ventilation will always be smelly and damp, and this is a difficult problem to cure.
Poor Repairs – Look carefully to see if you can spot DIY repairs. If you are not sure what to look for, then get a friend or someone with some building experience to view the house. They will pick up repairs of this nature very quickly.
I hope that with the above points, you will have a better understanding of what to look out for when you view your next possible home. Rather spend some money upfront on getting professional advice, than only discovering all the hidden problems when you have already purchased the house.