Have you decided that it’s time for a change of scenery, or has a new job or the opportunity to travel made you consider a move? If you’re looking for a new home, you want to be sure that you’ve found the perfect place before you exchange contracts. When searching for houses, it’s always wise to be vigilant and to keep your eyes peeled for potential problems and pitfalls. Here are some common red flags to look out for.
Signs of damp
Damp is a sign that moisture is getting into the house, and this is never a good thing. When you’re viewing houses, particularly old properties, look out for dark patches on the walls and ceilings, and a musty smell as you enter the room. Damp is treatable and manageable, but damp-proofing costs money, so bear this in mind if you do love a house that has damp issues. It’s a good idea to get a quote for the work so that you can negotiate with the vendor.
Unwanted visitors
There’s nothing more off-putting for a prospective buyer than mouse or rat droppings or the sight of a cockroach scuttling across the kitchen floor. Pests are a problem for many homeowners, and you don’t want to buy a house that comes with a resident family of unwanted intruders. If you are serious about buying a house that is frequented by rodents, or there are signs of termites or ants, it’s worth asking the vendor to enlist the services of professional pest control before you agree to buy. Pest control experts will be able to resolve the problem, and they can also provide services to prevent issues further down the line.
Noise
If you’ve organized a home viewing, use your ears as well as your eyes. Listen out for the neighbors, and get a feel for the area before you commit to buy. You don’t want to purchase a property and then find that you’re kept up at night by revelers returning from a bar or neighbors that like to host parties or play music until the small hours. It’s worth visiting a few times at different points in the day to get a real sense of the neighborhood.
Roofing problems
Holes in the roof, worn waterproofing, and missing slates or tiles can contribute to leaks, so it’s important to check the condition of the roof and ask about any work that has been done before you make an offer. It is possible to repair or even replace old or damaged roofs, but you should be aware of the cost of this project before you proceed. You may be able to save money on the purchase price by using this as a negotiating tool. If you can bring the cost down, you’ll be able to free up capital to get the work done.
Are you searching for a new home? If so, it’s always beneficial to have your eyes peeled for potential red flags. If there are issues that make a property slightly less appealing, you might be able to negotiate a better price to make the home perfect for you.