Buying a home is a very serious and important decision for anybody. Deciding on the perfect home can be quite difficult and confusing. Whether the first time you are going house viewing or you have done it before it is still very hard to make the decision. After identifying a few houses that you like, here are a few things you should look out for when you go for home viewing to help you make a decision.
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1. Check all the Doors and Windows.
You do not want to start fixing door hinges as soon as you move in. Check all doors and windows if they are all opening and closing the way they should.Check all the locks if they are working properly as they should.Check all the doors including cabinet doors.
Also pay attention to the position of the windows. Windows have an effect on how much light comes into your house and at what time. For example if you like morning light in your bedroom or evening sun in your living room. If you are keen about the lighting and the direction of the sun then you should pay a lot of attention to the windows.
2. Pay Attention to The General Area.
You will be living in that area for a long time if not forever. It needs to be convenient for you. Take a drive around the neighborhood and see how you will feel about it. Check if it has amenities near it, like access to roads, public transport, hospitals, places of worship or parks, and schools if you have kids or are planning on having them.
3. Check the Plumbing and Electric.
Open the taps and see if the pressure is okay. Check under the sinks to see if there are damp spots and also in the showers and bathroom for molds. Check if all the valves are working well to avoid overflows or blockages.
Also, check the electric connection, check if all the cords are in good condition and are working properly. Look for switchgear and see if it’s working as it should find out the switchgear manufacturing company in case you ever need it fixed. Check if all the lights are working well. Also, check or ask for any installation like tv or internet connections.
4. Check the Condition of the Structure.
Look carefully at the walls, look out for cracks on the wall. Small cracks on the wall may indicate a small problem but big cracks especially on beams could be a sign of a big problem. Check if the walls are damp or the paint is peeling; this indicates leaks on the plumbing. Look up to see if you see the ceiling is discolored, discoloration or molding might indicate leakages. Look at the floors too for any tile breakages or cracks. If the floors are made of wood lookout for wood-eating bugs and if the wood is in good condition. If you have concerns about any of the three then it’s wise to look for a professional to come to see if the problems are serious.
5. Sources of Energy.
Look at the efficiency of the energy being used in the house and if it’s replaceable with green energy. You will want energy that will save you money and is also safe for the environment. The lighting should not really be a cause of concern; you can always change to solar lights once you have moved in.
6. How Secure is the House?
Before you settle down for the house you want to have a good look at the general security of the area. But pay more attention to the security features of the house. Look out for outdoor security lighting and also check the door and windows if they are burglary proof. Look around for bushes and shrubs around the home, even water bodies might be beautiful to look at but can pose a danger to kids if you have them. Walk around the property and inspect the fencing to see if it’s satisfactory security for you.
7. Extra Cost of The Home.
Be aware of the cost of living there. The cost of electric bills, water bills, gas, cable tv, internet, and even the general service charge of the block if it’s an apartment. Before buying the house it is important to find out the cost of living in that house. You might be too excited by the buying price of the house and forget about the cost of living which could be significantly high.
8. View the House at Different Times of the Day.
If you visit the house in the morning, try to go in the evening or at night. Some houses may feel a little different at night or evenings. Also seeing the house in both morning and evening will help you know how the sun hits the house at both sunrise and sunset.
Conclusion.
Do not pay too much attention to the decor. The staging might fool you and again you can hire a professional to come to do your interior to your perfection. Also make sure to ask your agent important questions about the property like, why the property is on sale, how long it’s been in the market, how old the property is, and get as much information about the property as possible.
Finally, it all comes down to you. How do you feel about it? Can you picture yourself in it? Do you feel like it’s home for you? Does the neighborhood make you happy?
