What to Look for in an Open Home this Spring
It’s no secret that Spring tends to be one of the busier seasons when it comes to buying a home. Lots of new listings appear on the market making it an ideal time to take a look at what’s out there.
You may have a certain type of house in mind, and know the look and feel that appeals to you, but do you know what to really look for when inspecting a property?
With so many homes to choose from, it makes sense to make the most of your time when looking through open homes and focus on the things that really matter. Here are four things you should really take the time to look at when house hunting this Spring season.
Look for cracks
Admiring the new paintwork in an open home? Make sure you take a closer look at both internal and external walls for signs of large cracks. This can be a sign of a structural fault or a sign the home has shifted over time. If you do spot cracks in a home you’re interested in make sure you organise a building inspection to thoroughly and properly inspect the property. Not all cracks mean there’s trouble, so this is a necessary step for peace of mind!
Look for water damage
This means any damp spots on the walls, roof or even inside cabinetry. Also take a look around wet areas like the bathroom, laundry or kitchen for signs of mould. Water damage could be caused by an old leak that has since been repaired, or it could be an ongoing problem, so discuss this with the listing agent, and again make sure you do your due diligence and organise for a building inspection.
Look at doors and windows
Open and close doors and windows to make sure they’re opening and closing easily. If any appear jammed this can be a sign the frame has shifted and will need to be inspected during the building inspection. Again, this may not be cause for alarm, particularly in an older property as it may have occurred some time ago so it’s best to get the experts in.
Look for signs of pests
You may be surprised to find out that lots of older homes may show signs of once having white ants (termites) within the walls, but often the pests have been treated and walls repaired. Ask the listing agent if you see any signs of white ant damage, and ask if a termite barrier has been installed. The best way to find out if it’s a new problem or not is to have a proper pest inspection done.
These are the things that are most important to focus on when inspecting properties as these can be the most costly problems if found after you buy a new home. We often look at how neat and tidy a home is, the décor, the flooring, the age of the kitchen or bathroom, but in reality these are things that can all be changed, and updated down the road. Structural faults, water damage and pests can cause real problems, so it’s always best to scout these out before buying the home of your dreams.
This list applies equally to sellers too. Make sure you take a look around your property and address any issues with the above before your first scheduled property inspection.
