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Written by: Bradley Mackenzie | Stokemont
1. The primary observations
The first things you want to check around the property are the things that will have had or be getting a lot of use. Ensure you check the plug sockets and outlets in every room, scanning for any visual abnormalities, as well as testing the switches to ensure they are operating properly. The same also applies for any light switches and radiator valves that reside in each room as faults could be indicators of a much greater problem.
2. Structural integrity
Ensuring that the property is structurally sound will be a deal breaker as repair costs here could soar into the tens of thousands of dollars. Key indicators of poor build quality or underlying problems can be large cracks throughout the walls of the property - they can be tricky to spot at times as some tenants might attempt to cover them over, however if you make close observations around the doorways, windows and any extensions on the house, you should pick up on any major issues.
It’s always best to have a really good scout of the roof too, whether this is an eye level scan or zooming in with a mobile phone, be sure to look out for any abnormalities or areas where the roof looks concave. In addition to this, ask questions about the roof, will it need replacing soon? Have there been any previous issues or repairs?
3. House orientation
You may ask yourself why it matters what orientation the house is? This is because a south-facing house will provide your home and garden with the maximum amount of sunlight in a day. Having the maximum amount of sunlight possible can be essential for helping with your mood, as well as encouraging wildlife into your garden and creating the perfect environment for growing your own produce if this is something that interests you.
4. Accessibility
A common mistake that first time viewers make, is not checking the surroundings of the property to a high enough standard as they get too preoccupied with the living quarters. Sometimes you need to look for problems that you could encounter down the line, such as what parking space you will be allocated, is this something that is sufficient for your vehicle and if you will have space for multiple vehicles in the future.
If you have any family members who have a disability, how accessible is your property from the point of parking? One thing that tends to get overlooked but can cause real issues down the line is how accessible the home is for delivery drivers, such as how easy it is to find via GPS and if there enough room to maneuver vehicles in the area.
5. Look beyond the property
One of the most fundamental mistakes that people make when viewing their first home, is not researching the logistics of living in that exact location. Whilst examining the quality of the home is key, you need to also make sure that you look into how your day-to-day life would look whilst living there.
You should check via google maps how close all the nearest amenities are, from shops to gas stations and how accessible they are from your location. An ideal catchment is for all the basics to be accessible within 5-20 mins of walking distance. In addition to this, if you have children, it’s always useful to test out school runs in rush hour to emulate what you may have to go through each day, in addition to how close any parks are, and are there safe walkable pathways for your children to venture out on their own.
Sourse: https://stokemont.com/
Bradley Mackenzie, RICS accredited valuer, at chartered surveyors Stokemont has commented:
“Viewing your first home is a major milestone in life, and it’s understandable that people will overlook issues whilst clouded by the exciting prospect of being a homeowner. By utilising these tips, you can ensure that no stone goes unturned in the process.
Every property is unique, this will provide unique issues, so to further ensure that you cover every aspect make sure that you ask plenty of questions, even if you think the answer is obvious as this can help you to gain a better understanding of the property. Make plenty of notes, both positive and negative, throughout your viewing as these will come in handy when making decisions in the future. If there’s something that catches your eye, take a picture that you can come back to for reference and get second opinions on. Ultimately, you want to become a sponge and absorb as much information as you possibly can."
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