Viewing the outside
What should you look for when viewing the outside of a property?
Your property surveyor and survey should show up any major structural issues. However it is important that you look carefully around the property to idnetify any potential problems.
- Are the foundations OK? Look for cracks in brickwork, masonry and paving. Larger cracks could mean the house is suffering from subsidence
- Is there any damp? Is there a mushroomy smell in any rooms? Mouldy patches on walls and ceilings? Check carefully around windowsills to see if there is any sign of condensation damage. Are those freshly painted walls hiding anything more sinister?
- Is the brickwork good? Look for any gaps where cement has fallen out – or worse bricks are missing?
- Look at the roof tiles. Stand back on the other side of the road and compare your house to the other neighbours in the street. How does the roof compare to a newer roof. Are there tiles missing or damaged?
- Is the chimney UK standard?
- Check the guttering for missing gaps, blockages and check for leakages.
- Check the sofits and fascias, as these can be expensive to replace.
What to look for on the driveway?
- Is there off road parking on a driveway or in a garage. This is not only practical but it can also help reduce your car insurance premium and save you money. Check if there is a resident permit scheme and find out how much it costs.
- What’s the general condition of the driveway ? If there is car on the driveway have a look underneath to see if it’s hiding any holes.
- Have you seen any tree roots growing upwards and cracking the driveway?
What should you look for when viewing the Windows?
- Look at the windowsills carefully. If they are wooden, is the wood rotting anywhere? If so the paint will usually be peeling and flaky.
- Is there double-glazing in place? If so is it aluminium or PVC? Is there any condensation trapped between the panes? This may mean the seal is compromised.
What should you look for when viewing the Garden?
- Is it south facing? South facing means you get the best of the sun all day as the sun rises in the east, and sets in the west. Use your compass to check the estate agent’s calculations.
- Check the patio for cracks, is this hiding another problem with tree roots or even the drains?
- If decking is present , check the condition, is it mouldy?
- Look for mature shrubs and trees, this is good because it will mean you will have little work to do in the garden and creating a garden from scratch takes a lot of hard work and expense.
- Is the Lawn in good condition or covered in weeds, again it can be a labour of love and time investing in a good quality lawn.
- Is there a Shed? Everyman’s dream!
- Is there an outside water tap?
- Look out for trees too close to the house as these can cause damage to the foundations.
- What is the Condition of the fences? What side would you be responsible for?
- Security, are you overlooked ?, is there external access?
- Look out for neighbours’ trees blocking out your sunlight.
How do I check for noise and general pollution?
- Check do the neighbours have dogs, babies, drum playing children?
- Are you under a flight path?
- Can you hear the main road or motorway?
- Is there a sewage works nearby or working farm that may give off a bad odour in the summer months?
- Is there a mobile phone mast nearby?
Now go on and read about how you view the rest of the property before you make an offer and get your surveyor on the job.
