The Condition of the Property When viewing a home, there are some very important things to look out for, with the condition of the property being the primary factor. Is the Home Structurally Sound? Walk around checking the walls and ceilings for big cracks – hairline cracks are to be expected in some places. Make sure you check the exterior too. Cracks could be a sign that the property is not structurally sound. Points at which extensions join are good places to look as cracks often occur there. Also, look for loose or broken tiles on the roof or broken guttering, evidence of damage to the drywall and weaknesses on the floors. Any signs of a problem anywhere in the structure of the property should be queried – what caused it? How long has it been like that? Will it be fixed? Furniture or accessories like rugs could be hiding cracks on the walls or problems with the floor, so again, don’t forget to look behind furniture or move them around if necessary. If you see major cracks or any of the walls looking like they are bowing but you still like the home, you should seriously be getting a structural engineer to have a look. You should also have a survey done – not to be confused with a mortgage valuation – as this will uncover hidden issues that may characterize the house. Watch Out for Mold Mold is a major problem that could cost you a lot to fix. Don’t just try to look for it, use your nose as well, as damp frequently gives off a musty smell, even when there are no visible signs. A plaster that’s flaking, watermarks on walls or ceilings, even a fresh coat of paint in a particular room or a section of a room could all be indicative of mold. Don’t forget to properly examine the ceiling and around the skirting boards for evidence of leakages or water damage. Heating, Air Conditioning, and Electrics Other aspects to consider when looking at the general condition of the property are the heating and air conditioning systems. Have an expert assess whether they are the appropriate models and capacity and whether they are working properly. Check the fuse box; it shouldn’t be old and outdated and must be easily accessible and in good working condition. Ensure wiring was done properly. Otherwise, you may have to spend a fortune rewiring the home so as to bring it up to standard. Confirm if there are enough power points and that all of them are in good conditions. Basement and Foundations Also, check the attic for water problems – look for water damage or leaks that may have affected the insulation, walls, and ceiling of the attic. And while you’re at it, make sure that the insulation is adequate for where the property is located. Look for evidence of moisture problems in the home – is there water leaking onto the floor or water around the foundation? There should be no cracks in the walls and any wood such as those in exposed beams should be in good condition without any rot. Pipes and Taps Check that the plumbing is up to scratch. Run taps to ensure they work properly and the water pressure is strong enough. Exposed pipes in unheated areas should be insulated, as frozen pipes will eventually cause water damage. It is particularly important from a health perspective to ascertain that the pipes are not made of lead. If they are, you will need to replace them. Also, find out where the hot water tank is located. If it is on the roof, you may need to replace it, as it is probably an old tank. Exterior Check for evidence of water around the foundation, which may indicate drainage issues. The ground should slope away from the foundation. If there is a porch, it should have a foundation and not simply sit on the soil. Check that driveways or any walkways leading up to the house do not have cracks and are not crumbling. Check that the siding of the home is in good condition. Take a look at the landscaping on the property as well. It shouldn’t be unkempt and unsightly, as that is an indication of lack of care. The sprinkler system should be in proper working and if there is a deck, ensure there’s no decay or damage from termites or beetles. Property History Don’t just settle for the information contained in the customer copy of listings. Ask your agent for more detailed info. How long has the property been on the market? Was it previously listed, withdrawn and relisted for a lower price? These kinds of questions can help you decide how much to offer. You also need other detailed information on the property, most of which will be available from the public records. The name of the owner, original age of the home, mortgage history, parcel number, previous sales of the property, property deeds and any judgments or liens filed against the seller – all these will show up. So will information regarding how much the taxes on the property are and whether they are paid or in arrears. If there have been improvements to the home, you’ll also be able to see if a permit was obtained, as this could complicate the sale of the property. This kind of search could save you a lot of money as it will reveal important information about the property you’re interested in, so don’t skip it. You can get all this info through your agent if you’re using one since most agents subscribe to services that give them access to such data or through a local title company. Additionally, you can order them online for a small fee. Prospective House Conditions
- By Erin Halstead
- Posted
The Condition of the Property When viewing a home, there are some very important things to look out for, with the condition of the property being the primary factor. Is the Home Structurally Sound? Walk around checking the walls and ceilings for big cracks – hairline cracks are to be expected in some places. Make sure you check the exterior too. Cracks could be a sign that the property is not structurally sound. Points at which extensions join are good places to look as cracks often occur there. Also, look for loose or broken tiles on the roof or broken guttering, evidence of damage to the drywall and weaknesses on the floors. Any signs of a problem anywhere in the structure of the property should be queried – what caused it? How long has it been like that? Will it be fixed? Furniture or accessories like rugs could be hiding cracks on the walls or problems with the floor, so again, don’t forget to look behind furniture or move them around if necessary. If you see major cracks or any of the walls looking like they are bowing but you still like the home, you should seriously be getting a structural engineer to have a look. You should also have a survey done – not to be confused with a mortgage valuation – as this will uncover hidden issues that may characterize the house. Watch Out for Mold Mold is a major problem that could cost you a lot to fix. Don’t just try to look for it, use your nose as well, as damp frequently gives off a musty smell, even when there are no visible signs. A plaster that’s flaking, watermarks on walls or ceilings, even a fresh coat of paint in a particular room or a section of a room could all be indicative of mold. Don’t forget to properly examine the ceiling and around the skirting boards for evidence of leakages or water damage. Heating, Air Conditioning, and Electrics Other aspects to consider when looking at the general condition of the property are the heating and air conditioning systems. Have an expert assess whether they are the appropriate models and capacity and whether they are working properly. Check the fuse box; it shouldn’t be old and outdated and must be easily accessible and in good working condition. Ensure wiring was done properly. Otherwise, you may have to spend a fortune rewiring the home so as to bring it up to standard. Confirm if there are enough power points and that all of them are in good conditions. Basement and Foundations Also, check the attic for water problems – look for water damage or leaks that may have affected the insulation, walls, and ceiling of the attic. And while you’re at it, make sure that the insulation is adequate for where the property is located. Look for evidence of moisture problems in the home – is there water leaking onto the floor or water around the foundation? There should be no cracks in the walls and any wood such as those in exposed beams should be in good condition without any rot. Pipes and Taps Check that the plumbing is up to scratch. Run taps to ensure they work properly and the water pressure is strong enough. Exposed pipes in unheated areas should be insulated, as frozen pipes will eventually cause water damage. It is particularly important from a health perspective to ascertain that the pipes are not made of lead. If they are, you will need to replace them. Also, find out where the hot water tank is located. If it is on the roof, you may need to replace it, as it is probably an old tank. Exterior Check for evidence of water around the foundation, which may indicate drainage issues. The ground should slope away from the foundation. If there is a porch, it should have a foundation and not simply sit on the soil. Check that driveways or any walkways leading up to the house do not have cracks and are not crumbling. Check that the siding of the home is in good condition. Take a look at the landscaping on the property as well. It shouldn’t be unkempt and unsightly, as that is an indication of lack of care. The sprinkler system should be in proper working and if there is a deck, ensure there’s no decay or damage from termites or beetles. Property History Don’t just settle for the information contained in the customer copy of listings. Ask your agent for more detailed info. How long has the property been on the market? Was it previously listed, withdrawn and relisted for a lower price? These kinds of questions can help you decide how much to offer. You also need other detailed information on the property, most of which will be available from the public records. The name of the owner, original age of the home, mortgage history, parcel number, previous sales of the property, property deeds and any judgments or liens filed against the seller – all these will show up. So will information regarding how much the taxes on the property are and whether they are paid or in arrears. If there have been improvements to the home, you’ll also be able to see if a permit was obtained, as this could complicate the sale of the property. This kind of search could save you a lot of money as it will reveal important information about the property you’re interested in, so don’t skip it. You can get all this info through your agent if you’re using one since most agents subscribe to services that give them access to such data or through a local title company. Additionally, you can order them online for a small fee. 
