If you’re finally in a position to buy a new home, it’s time to think about how you’re going to buy it. Naturally, there are pitfalls to be avoided, and you can’t always see them unless you look ahead and do a bit of research.
Here are some of the things to consider when buying a home:
1. Is there any damp?
Damp can be an issue, especially with older properties. Due to older infrastructure, water gets into the roof, the walls, and the flooring; this slowly breaks down the building’s structure and leads to unexpected repair costs. But dampness can also cause breathing difficulties.
There are some telltale signs of damp when you go to view a property; these include a musty smell in certain space and dark patches on the walls. You might also see watermarks on the walls and ceiling or on the skirting boards. It can sometimes lead to a property reevaluation.
2. Is it structurally sound?
When you go to view a house, it’s a good idea to research what you need to look out for; this can make a difference to the valuation and the price you pay. Naturally, if the structure of the building is faulty, it will lead to future repairs that must be deducted from the overall price.
Visit the property and look for large cracks in the walls as well as smaller hairline cracks. These cracks are an indication that there is some subsidence in the building. Doorframes are another good thing to assess. If doors don’t close correctly, it means the building has lost its integrity.
3. How much storage is there?
Storage isn’t always the first thing people think of when they buy a home. That usually comes later when they don’t have enough room for all their belongings, and they have to offload items and downsize. So when you view a property, don’t overlook its storage capacities.
To get a realistic idea of the property’s storage capacity, you will have to think about your basic storage requirements to know what you need at a minimum. Understanding your basic storage needs means you can look quickly at a space and decide if it’s appropriate.
4. What direction does it face?
It might be the perfect house on paper, and even when you visit the property, there could be underlying issues with the building that you aren’t aware of. One of these is the direction the house faces. If it doesn’t face south, it can lead to cold rooms and higher bills.
South-facing homes benefit from the sun throughout the day. They can enjoy large bay windows and lower energy bills because the rooms are naturally bright and warm. This might seem like a minor consideration if the home is otherwise perfect, but it can make a major difference.
5. Room sizes?
Older homes tend to have larger rooms, and newer ones are smaller. New build homes tend to have smaller rooms for energy efficiency purposes. It’s worth considering the age of the home you intend to buy and whether you want to use existing furniture or buy new furniture.
If the rooms are on the smaller side, it’s good to invest in smaller furniture so that the room sizes seem bigger. On the other hand, larger rooms will benefit from larger furniture to fill the space. However, bear in mind that larger properties are less energy-efficient and will cost more to run.
6. What is the energy system?
One thing you should consider as a priority when viewing a property is the home’s energy system. Older homes will probably have gas or oil-powered systems with a furnace in the basement. The heat is generated down below and radiated through vents and HVAC systems.
However, there is a clear trend away from these older power sources in the direction of renewable energy. Renewable energy can be a combination of solar, wind, geothermal, and heat pumps. Check the roof for solar panels and ask your agent about energy conversion.
7. Should you buy or build?
The most common way to obtain a new home is to buy one from the market. You can search the market database to see what’s on sale at any given time or take a look at property listing in an area of your choice. While this can be successful, you may not get the property of your dreams.
Alternatively, you can build the property of your dreams, a process that is easier than you might imagine. The fact is, you don’t always need an original architect to build an original home; visit custom home builders to view some of the custom show homes they have on offer.