Buying a Home? Look Past The Cosmetic Updates

by Walter Grewe

What to Actually Look for When Buying a House

Buying a new home can be incredibly stressful. There’s so much to think about, it can be easy to forget to check everything you want in a new home.

According to studies, 26% of people view their home once before buying it, while 43% viewed the property twice, 21% three times, and 11% four or more times, proving that most house buyers feel the need to go back multiple times to make sure the house is right for them.

RubberBond has acknowledged how frustrating this can be, and has come up with a few graphics that outline EVERYTHING you need to consider when buying a home, looking at both the interior and exterior as well as the surrounding area, so you can simply refer to these any time you need to, and hopefully, you’ll only have to visit a property once to find out everything you need to know before you consider buying.

Exterior

• Roof – Age / Flat or Pitched / Missing Tiles
• Windows – Double Glazing / Frame Cracks / Condensation
• Orientation – Which way does the house face?
• Cracks – Bricks / Plaster / Wood
• Extensions – Is there any room for developments?
• Parking – Garage / Drive / Road Side
• Weeds – In particular, Japanese Knot Weed

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Interior

• Attic – Access / Space / Could it be improved?
• Power Points – Where are they situated? What condition are they in?
• Cracks – Plaster
• Damp
• Phone Service
• Safety – What are the Locks like on the Doors and Windows?
• Floors – Any unusual dips or sagging, especially in the bathroom
• What’s Included – Fridge / Washing Machine
• Plumbing – Are the pipes insulated?
• Storage Space
• Room Size – Are they big enough and is there room to grow?

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Surrounding Area

• Are you under a flight path?
• Dilapidated Buildings nearby?
• Is there a local Dump?
• Crime Rates
• Is there a reputable school nearby?
• Is there local transport nearby?
• Trees – Could they block sunlight or views?
• Shops in walking distance
• Building work/scaffolding
• Pubs/takeaways/bars nearby

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