When looking for a new house, you might be tempted to get swept up in the excitement of finding your dream property. But, if you opt for a house with problems such as dampness, the reality could come crashing down pretty quickly. Here’s our level-headed guide for what you should look out for when you’re hunting for that perfect property.
1. Poor Windows
We’re always told not to judge a book by its cover, but with houses, you can usually tell a great deal about the rest of the property from the state of the windows. If these haven’t been taken care of, it’s a good indicator that the rest of the house hasn’t been given the TLC it needs either.
2. Big cracks
Subsidence means that small cracks appear in a lot of houses over time. However, we’re not talking about a hairline crack here and there – if you see any large cracks anywhere in the property it could mean that it’s not structurally sound, and you could be landed with jobs that require a lot of time, work, and money to fix.
3. Foundation troubles
Similarly, problems with the foundation of your home can be a nightmare to repair. Inspect the foundation for cracks and bulges, as this can indicate that there are structural issues with the property.
4. Bad roofing
The roof of your home is extremely important, and a good, solid roof can last 30+ years. A poor one, however, can need replacing much sooner, with the time and money needed to carry out the job. Ask the seller how old the roof is, and have a look for yourself at parts of the roof you can see as well as the house’s gutter. And, if you’re serious about buying the house, get in a roofer to inspect its condition.
5. Signs of damp
If left untreated, dampness can be a huge problem for your house. Make sure you look closely for the signs – a strange smell, lack of ventilation, flaky plaster on the walls, watermarks on the walls or ceilings. You should even question the seller if a room has been recently painted as they may be trying to cover up the problem. Damp can be caused by several issues, including poor insulation throughout the home – so make sure you pay close attention to this one.
