Our top tips for house viewings!

So, you’ve found a house you like the look of, and now it’s time to view. Not all estate agents will give a comprehensive guided tour of the house, so it’s up to you to check everything over and make sure it has what you want – with no nasty surprises!

It’s worth remembering that everyone’s criteria will be different, so use this list as inspiration for your own must-haves. Most of the following aren’t cheap to fix, so catching them early can save you some money and headaches. Your independent building survey should flag any problems once you’ve made an offer, but these are checks you can easily do beforehand.

Power sockets

This can be an issue in older houses, but count the number of power sockets in each room. Modern lives demand plenty of power, and overloading a single plug socket can be a pain – not to mention how untidy a room looks when you’re having to rely on extension leads to power your TV, table lamps and computers.

On the subject of power sockets, ask the estate agent to provide a certificate stating when the electrics were installed or serviced. This can be an expensive fix at best if they’re old, and a safety hazard at worst!

Storage

Some houses are blessed with a beautiful setting and wonderful décor, but nowhere to put bulky items like your vacuum, cleaning supplies, or tools. You can always grab storage units to house these things, but it’s amazing how messy your home can look without enough built-in storage for all your stuff.

If you love your kitchen gadgets, check that there are enough cupboards in the kitchen – no one likes a cluttered work surface.

Is the attic boarded?

Speaking of storage, if the house has an attic, you should have a look. A boarded attic means that a wooden floor has been installed so that you can use it for storage. A keen DIYer can board or partially board an attic, but it does involve some pricy materials – especially if you choose to install new insulation at the same time. However, this can be a good activity to add some value to your home, increase storage, and improve its efficiency in the colder months. Win-win!

Check the water pressure

Turn the taps on in the kitchen and bathroom. Low water pressure can be a costly fix, and it’s discouraging to try to shower when it’s only a trickle. It only takes a second to check!

When was the boiler serviced?

This is something the estate agent should be able to provide. Boilers don’t last forever, and they’re expensive to replace – not something you can do yourself! Older boilers are usually more expensive to run and far less efficient at heating your home, so knowing how old it is can only be a bonus when you’re making a decision.

Gutters

Now to the outside! Look up at the guttering as well as the soffits and fascias (the sections of the roof that the gutter attaches to), checking for any broken sections, sagging, or leaks.

If you’re visiting on a dry day, no problem – you can always pop back when it’s raining and have a look. It’s also a good idea to visit the area when it’s dark to see if it feels safe and quiet.

Whereas guttering can be replaced fairly easily by a professional (or an avid DIYer with a long ladder), fascias are more expensive and will probably need scaffolding to be repaired.

Roof tiles

Scour the roof from ground level for any missing tiles or sagging. Roof repairs are notoriously expensive and disruptive, so you could dodge a bullet here if you see any issues.

You can also check the roof when you’re up in the attic. If you can see daylight, or anything looks or smells musty, you should get it checked by a professional before committing.

What direction does the garden face?

This won’t be equally important to everyone, but the keen gardeners or summertime socialites among you will want to know which direction the garden faces!

North-facing gardens will get the least warmth and sunlight, which isn’t too much of a problem if it’s long enough, but most of it will be in near constant shadow – especially in winter. East-facing gardens receive good morning sun, west-facing gets sunlight in the afternoon and evening, whereas south-facing gardens are real suntraps which get daylight all day.

If you’re hoping to make your garden into a growing paradise, check if there are any invasive plants or overhanging trees which may mess with your light levels.

Check for an outside water faucet for your hosepipe too, as well as any sheds or garden buildings. If they’re already there, it’ll save you some money on buying a brand new one once you move in.

Almost everything about your house can be changed, apart from where it is. Moving the sun is beyond most tradespeople.

Take a notebook and a tape measure with you

A notebook is the easiest way to keep track of things to check, as well as note down any thoughts and observations. And don’t forget to measure things! Take measurements of the bedroom to make sure your bed will fit comfortably. Another useful measurement is the width of the door frames – these often aren’t included on floor plans and will help you to work out how to fit your furniture in.