There are many reasons why you may be looking for a new home. Maybe you are downsizing, looking for a new family home or just wanting to get on the property ladder. Viewing houses are the best way to visualize yourself living there. But in all the excitement, it can be easy to miss potential problems during your viewing session. These issues can cost a fortune to rectify which is not ideal when you’ve only just moved in. So take a look at these three common problems which you can keep an eye out of during your next viewing.
Infestation
Pests such as bedbugs, ants and rats can make themselves very comfortable inside people’s homes. The last thing you want is to move into your new home, only to find a nest of rats or an infestation of bed bugs. Pest such as these are excellent at hiding and the telltale signs of an infestation can be missed if you aren’t looking for them. Droppings inside, dead insects and evidence of nesting are just a few of the warning signs you need to look out for. Check the cupboards in the kitchen or garage for mousetraps or insect repellents. This should give you a good indication of whether this problem is new or not. You should also create a checklist using an expert site such as pestradar.com, which you can take with you to the viewing.
Damp
It’s essential that you always check the ceilings, walls and windows for signs of damp. Damp can be detrimental to your health, especially if you have young children. So check for staining in every room as this could indicate leaks in the property. Also, try to check behind furniture placed up against the walls as this could be concealing mould and discoloration. Ripples in wallpaper and strong smells are also indicators of damp and mould. Look out for patches of new paintwork in odd places. This could be a sign the current owner has tried to hide the damp to get the asking price they want. Sorting out damp can be done, but it’s a long and expensive process. So take pictures as these could provide evidence and even lower the asking price. For more information on the signs of dampness, visit wisepropertycare.com
Problem Plants
Plants are usually something that potential buyers look for when viewing a house. But certain kinds can cost a fortune to remove. Japanese knotweed, for example, can become overgrown very quickly. It’s expensive to remove fully and you can get fined if it starts to grow onto other people’s properties. So research the varying types of problem plants on rhs.org.uk and check the front and back of the property you are viewing. Also, look for trees with exposed surface roots which could cause damage to the foundations and structure of the house.
With this guide to help you, you should be able to spot the warning signs during your next viewing. Never buy a house without having a thorough look around first and ask your estate agent for an up to date surveyor report too.
