Going around a house can be an exciting experience. You may be wondering if it’s the “one” and you may also be envisioning yourself living there for years to come. If you want to get the best result out of your purchase however, then you need to make sure that there aren’t any hidden problems or issues that could be expensive to fix.
Check the Floor
One way for you to find out if the plumbing is up to par or not would be for you to check the floor. Look out for any sagging floorboards, or dips. This indicates that the structure of the home may need some work and that there are underlying problems with the flooring. You also need to check to see if there are any cracks in the wall. If you see cracks on the inside, or even on the outside then this indicates that there has been some movement in the past. It could also be a sign of a serious structural problem too. If you want to check this then look up to see if the area has suffered from subsidence and get a more in-depth survey done. Your residential mortgage provider should be able to help you with this.
Keep an Eye out for Fresh Paint
15 layers of paint on a stair banister or even a bad paint job is nothing for you to worry about. If you notice that the home has not been renovated in quite some time, but one wall appears to be freshly painted then this could be something to take note of. There is a chance that the buyer is trying to cover something up or that they are trying to hide damp. If you do notice any cover-ups that appear to be unusual then you need to ask why the work was done, and why no attention was paid to other parts of the house too.
Water in the Basement
If your home has a basement then this is a major selling point. If it has been raining recently but the basement appears to be dry, this is fantastic news. If the basement looks to be damp however then this could indicate a much deeper issue. You need to find out where the water is coming from and if there are cracks in the walls. Basement repairs can be expensive to say the least, so take the time and make sure that you fully understand the issue before you put an offer in.
Windows
Another thing that you need to do is check the windows. Think about it, do they open and close properly? Do they lock? Does the owner have a key? If so then this is great. If not then you may have to get a locksmith to remove the locks for you. This can add extra expenses that you might not be able to afford, so take your time and make sure that you are well aware of the overall structure of the home.
We hope you find these tips useful and if you have any additional tips you would like to add that you have encountered, please leave them in the comments below!
