THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN VIEWING A SHOW HOUSE:

When buying a house you want to make sure that it is a sound investment not a rundown money pit. Here a few things you can take note of to try and avoid discovering problems once it is too late.

1. Are there any water stains or corrosion to the walls backing onto the showers or baths
2. Check for sagging ceilings: Look at the ceilings to see if they are fixed firmly flush into place and do not have a ‘parachute’ appearance.
3. Check inside the cabinets in all the wet areas: Any damp smells can be an indication of water leaks or even rising damp.
4. Check both the internal and external walls for large cracks: Cracks that are greater than 2.0mm in width or properties with excessive cracking can be cause for concern and should be further inspected by a qualified building inspector.
5. Look for evidence of mould in bathrooms and bedrooms: Consider the initial cause of the mould, is it more than just bad upkeep?
6. Check the internal wall plastering for fine cracks: The internal wall plastering can be easily checked for fine hairline cracks (map cracking, as they take on the appearance of a map). These cracks are caused by the incorrect application of the wall plastering at the time of construction.
7. Check the external roof lines: Look up the lines of the roof externally if possible to check if they are straight and free from deflections.
8. Check the roof gutters and eves:
9. Check the roof downpipes are running to storm water drains: Check that all roof downpipes are discharging into stormwater soak wells and not just onto the ground.
10. What is the state of the window frames and doors:

Other things to consider:

• How much storage space is there? Storage space is a valuable but often overlooked asset. Where will you keep your vacuum cleaner, towels, spare linen, and boxes of junk?
• Which way does the house face? In winter, during a cloudy day or at night, it is difficult to tell the difference between a north and south facing house or garden – but in summer it can make the difference between a home that is full of light and warmth, and one that is frustratingly dark.
• Are the rooms big enough for your needs?
• Are there enough power points and what condition are they in?
• Is the plumbing up to scratch? Run the taps to check the water pressure.
• What’s the neighbourhood like? Are you near a pub or bar or kebab shop that becomes rowdy in the evening? Can you walk to shops to get a pint of milk, or do you have to drive? Is it easy to get to public transport? Are there noisy roads or train tracks nearby? Are you underneath a flight path?

And most importantly, does it feel like you could make it your home? If you’re in any doubt, it can be a good idea to get a professional in to give a detailed report for peace of mind.