Buying a home is potentially the biggest purchase you can make, which is why it’s so important to get right. Making sure your future home is free from issues like damp, mould, rot, and other structural damage before you purchase it can save you money and the stress of trying to fix the house up.
Spotting these issues yourself can be difficult, especially if you don’t know what to check for. To help, we’ve put together this guide – so if you’re buying a new home, here are some important property checks you need to complete.
Conduct a comprehensive property survey
One of your first tasks should be to hire a qualified chartered surveyor to complete a detailed inspection. This thorough inspection will examine the entire house, making sure there are no structural integrity issues and identifying any potential problems.
To ensure you hire a genuine surveyor, look for one accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). You may also have the choice between various survey levels, including the RICS Building Survey, which provides an in-depth analysis perfect for older or altered properties.
Assess for damp and moisture issues
One easy check you can complete yourself is looking for surface-level damp and moisture. Common signs include damp or darkened patches, mould, peeling wallpaper, and musty odours.
Letting these conditions run rampant can result in health problems and costly repairs, neither of which you should have to experience. Since damp issues can be quite expensive, it’s crucial you spot this before purchasing the property. Failing to identify and address these issues prior to purchase can lead to potential housing disrepair claims in the future.
Verify compliance with building regulations
Any renovations or extensions on the property must also have the proper planning permission and comply with building regulations. Any unapproved modifications to the home can result in safety hazards, legal complications, or even be taken down.
Since this can dramatically decline your property’s value, we recommend reading through the seller’s completed Property Information Questionnaire to get better insights into any alterations.
Check for energy efficiency
We strongly recommend checking a property’s Energy Performance Certificate before you buy. Ultimately, a better energy efficiency rating will save you money in the long run, requiring less energy to maintain and keeping your bills down.
This can help when planning for the future, as you can dedicate more of your earnings towards maintaining your home, rather than focused on bill payments.
Investigate the condition of adjacent properties
Finally, if possible you should examine the neighbouring properties for signs of neglect and disrepair. While it may not seem like it affects you, damage to adjoining properties can worsen your property’s value and your living conditions. For example, an abandoned neighbouring house can become home to pests, which may spread into your new home.
