Viewing a property: The ultimate checklist
Okay, so you have made a shortlist of properties that you like, and you’ve done your research. But when you’re in the actual property, remember to consider the following things:
Viewing a property: The existing condition
- Is there damp? Check for obvious signs of damp as well as wrinkly ripples in the wallpaper.
- Is the building structurally sound? You want to look for cracks on the outside, and check the brickwork and any signs of the chimney leaning.
- Look up! Do the gutters and downpipes look old or show any signs of leakage?
- How old is the roof? It goes without saying that you want a good roof over your head, not only to keep the weather out but also to keep the energy in! We recently read that if the roof is old enough to drink, then it’s nearing the end of its life expectancy.
- Open and close the windows and doors. (They might think you’re crazy but do it anyway.) You want to make sure there’s no cracking paint on the window frames and that the double glazing is intact. Run your fingers down the window to check for condensation. (Yes, they’ll think you’re truly batty by this point!) You also want to find out what’s behind any locked doors (oooh… er).
- Check your phone while you’re there. How’s the signal?
- Are there enough power points, and what condition are they in? Ask when it was last rewired.
- Is the plumbing up to scratch? Remember to turn on the taps and check the water pressure.
- Is the property adequately soundproofed? Sound nuisance is difficult to live with, so trust us: Don’t overlook this one!
- Has it got a working fireplace? Fireplaces are such a lovely feature, but you want to check that they actually work! Ask when they were last serviced or the chimneys swept.
- Check for the proper gas installation reports. Before you move in, make sure you get a copy of the annual Gas Safety Certificate, which shows that all gas appliances have been serviced by an engineer listed on the Gas Safe Register.
- Check the property’s energy performance certificate (EPC) here.
Viewing a property: The particulars
- Is there evidence of staging? The clue is in the smell of freshly baked bread! But jokes aside, remember to look beyond the furniture and stylised interiors: It’s the bones of the property you’re buying, not the lifestyle.
- What is it like at different times of the day? Try to make a couple of viewing appointments.
- What does the house look like without any lights on? Usually an agent will whack on every light in the property, but make sure to turn them all off and experience the house as you would on a normal day.
- What noises can you hear? If there’s any music playing, make sure that’s also turned off so you can check for loud street traffic, noisy neighbours or the rumble of trains in the background.
- Which way does the property face? South-facing gardens will get more sun.
- Any expensive updates? Look out for things that would be costly to change, such as replacing a large amount of paving.
- Has it got a mature garden? Opting for a property with a garden that doesn’t need a complete overhaul will save you money, as landscaping and planting can be expensive.
- What are the neighbours like? It’s always worth having a conversation with them. You’ll get good insight into the neighbourhood and a general vibe from these chats.
- Any easy wins? Look out for opportunities to make an easy change, such as opening up small, individual living spaces to create a larger living or kitchen/ dining space.
- Do any properties overlook the house? As much as you want to be on good terms with your neighbours, your privacy – and your enjoyment of a space – could be compromised.
ARTICLE
Our 10 top tips to buying a house
Buying a house is potentially the biggest financial commitment you will ever make, so take the time to prep with our tips!
Viewing a property: The practicalities
- Is there much storage space?
- Are the rooms big enough for your needs? Usually you can tell when you walk into a home, if the space feels right and works for you. The number of bedrooms and communal and outdoor spaces are all easy things to tick off, but Lorna from Bonnington Square recommends going a step further:
- What’s the attic space like? Locate the loft hatch and make sure you stick your head up there to have a look! It might be that the loft space could be turned into extra bedroom space or a home office.
- How green is it? There might be many trees lining the street, but are there signs of structural damage nearby? How big are the trees? They can steal a lot of light and be expensive to remove.
Viewing a property: The quick-fire round:
- How long has it been on the market?
- How many viewings has it had?
- How many offers has it had?
- How long is the lease (if it has one)?
- Have there been any neighbour disputes?
- What renovations have been done?
- Why are the vendors moving, and are they sure they want to sell now?
- Where are the vendors moving, and is there a chain?
- How much are the service charges and ground rent (if a flat)? (Read more on charges.)
Phew! It sounds like a lot, right? But when all is said and done, your hard work is going to pay off. And remember, it’s always worth listening to your gut.
We have created a FREE Renovation Budget Guide
that unpacks all the figures of a project – from building costs and professional fees to those extra expenses that no-one tells you about.
This will put your construction budget in the context of the whole project’s costs and make sure you’re considering all those added extras from the outset.
How much will my extension cost in 2024?
It’s the all-important question for home renovators: how much is my extension really going to cost? Read on to find out!
Natural Plaster – and why we can’t get enough
Want a material that is beautiful, and works hard for you? Look no further than Natural Plaster. We explain why we can’t get enough of it!
The New DIY: Online Renovation Courses
More homeowners are turning to online renovation courses as a way to save costs on their renovations. Take a look at our top picks!
Where NOT to scrimp on your renovation
Sometimes it’s tempting to cut corners and save a few pounds but it’s likely you’ll regret it in the long term. We share our top tips of where it doesn’t pay to scrimp in your dream home.
Open House Festival: 8th – 21st of September
For those who have decided THIS is the year that they’re going to bite the bullet and renovate, Open House London is a chance to go and see some projects up close and personal. Here’s our list of recommended projects to go visit.
Why do we still not have a national retrofit strategy?
We talk to Paul Testa of HEM Architecture about why we need a national retrofit strategy and why it needs to happen now.
How to prepare your house for builders: 10 things you must do
When getting ready to receive contractors into your home it’s important to prepare your property. Get started with these 10 must do tasks!
Our 10 top tips to buying a house
Buying a house is potentially the biggest financial commitment you will ever make, so take the time to prep with our tips!
Don’t move, Improve! 2022 Shortlist
Check out the 15 incredible London renovation projects shortlisted for this year’s Don’t Move, Improve! Awards and get inspired!
How much will my extension cost?
When it comes to home-renovating this is the most common question we get asked. So let’s get right to it, how do you work out the REAL cost? Read on to find out!
How to make the most of a Trade Show
Returning to thoughts of renovating your home? Then jumpstart your project by attending a trade show. But first make sure you read our top tips on how to make the most of your visit!
Top tips for renovating from industry experts
We asked a range of architects and experts working in the residential sector to give us their top tip for homeowners who want to renovate.
Worried about increasing construction prices?
Everyone is concerned about increasing construction costs. We talk to BuildPartner about what measures home renovators can take to reduce risks for their projects.
Your handy guide to assessing builders
Linden from Weaver shares his a handy guide to assessing builders. So before a spade is in the ground, it’s worth taking a moment to prepare.
Product spotlight: Little Bishop Hook
A neat solution for pendant lighting; we take a look at the clean design and appealing simplicity of the Little Bishop Pendant Hook
The ‘Iron Triangle’ you should embrace
It may sound daunting, but knowing about the ‘Iron Triangle’ in advance can help you plan your project and set realistic expectations.
Making the most of your outdoor space
If you’re living in London, then chances are you’re severely lacking in one department: outdoor space. But even if you only have a small patch to play with, this space can do so much for you with a bit of care and forward planning.
Your ultimate guide to extractor fans
Our complete guide answers all your extractor fan questions (even those you didn’t know you had!)
EJ Ryder and the world of joinery
Edwin J Ryder and his team specialise in bold, creative design and impeccable workmanship in their joinery and interior finishes. We spoke with Edwin to find out how they work with clients on their property renovations.
Why well designed homes cost more
Good design isn’t just a luxury for those with the biggest budgets; it’s a sound financial decision for everyone. We take a look at The Modern House and their approach.
