Falling in love with a property is easy to do. It could be the newly refurbished kitchen, the big backyard or the fact it’s located on a quiet, leafy street.
First impressions count for a lot but before you fall hook, line and sinker, carry out a thorough inspection before making any commitments.
When you inspect the property for the first time allow at least 15 minutes. This is not something you want to rush, so if you’re attending a home open and running late call the agent ahead of time and see if they can keep the property open for
longer or if you can rearrange a new time.
To avoid getting caught up in the excitement of the home open, take a list of all your must have requirements and the items you need to check for.
What should you look for at an inspection?
While it might seem obvious, ensure the property has bedrooms and living areas that will suit your needs now and in the future.
This also goes for the outside areas of the property – is the yard big enough, is there enough on-site parking for your needs, are there opportunities to extend or can you fit that pool in the yard you’ve always wanted?
While outside, have a look at the condition of gutters, downpipes and the roof to determine if they look fit enough to handle heavy rainfall or strong winds.
The orientation of the property to the sun is a particularly important consideration in Western Australia. Look for true north and work out where the sun will hit for the majority of the day so you can determine what areas of the house will be hottest
in summer and warmest in winter.
Also check that rainwater will drain away from the main building.
You want to avoid purchasing a property that isn’t structurally sound. Look for cracks and watermarks on walls or ceilings. They are tell-tale signs of bigger issues. While older properties may have some small cracks due to wear and tear, it’s
major structural issues you should be mindful of.
Be sure to check that all the taps in the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry are in working order and look under sinks for signs of water damage.
Consider the help of professionals to carry out a termite inspection and a building inspection. Those specially trained in these areas can identify issues you might not notice. Be sure to select reputable suppliers to carry out these inspections.
Taking the time to assess the property can ensure you avoid a broken heart down the track.
