After much thinking and deciding if it is better to rent or buy a house, you have already decided. You are going to buy a flat! It is a moment of nerves and joy. So that it is always and do not end up regretting there are a series of steps that you must take before buying the house and a series of information that you must have clear.
Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Home
Buying a house can be something as simple as finding an apartment and buying it. The problem with doing so is that it is easy for you to end up with a house that does not fill you and also paying much more for it. What to do before buying a house? What to check before buying an apartment? We formed a list of the main points to check when visiting a house to buy.
Networks
Electricity. Ask for the electrical diagnosis, it is compulsory for homes over 15 years old. This is one of the most useful property diagnoses. Check the most important points: the presence of the earth (“protective conductor”), its operation, and the presence of personal protection (30mA).
Potable water. Operation of cold water, hot water system, and taps.
Sanitation. Check the evacuation exits if they are visible, visualize the location of the manholes (lift the pads if necessary), ask where the septic tank is, and an invoice for emptying the pit would be a good thing: look at the date, knowing that the emptying is done every 4 years on average.
Roof
Observe any traces of drips which would show previous leaks. Check its tightness, the absence of leaks. It’s difficult to be exhaustive here, because according to the type of roofing (tile, slate, shingles, sheet metal …), the data changes. The bottom line is that it’s always better to have more slope than not enough, more cover overlaps than not enough, and more fixings than not enough, when they are visible.
Wood frame. It’s worth lifting the hatch, and taking a look at the attic if it’s visitable. The main point is to check whether the woods look healthy, like if there are humidity and termites. Already visually, and when knocking, they should not seem too light.
Foundations and Structural Work
Cracks in the walls. Take out your magnifying glass, and look for cracks in the right of the doors, windows, on the walls. The cracks may have no impact, or reflect a significant foundation disorder. Not all cracks are serious, and don’t mean the same thing, but you’ll definitely want to know more before you buy. One thing that you can observe in the event of a crack consists in watching if the crack crosses the wall (crack known as traversing).
Insulation and Comfort
Thermal insulation. This point is difficult to assess without knowing what is in the walls… The easiest way is to trust the result of the insulation: the energy consumption of the house. Try to ask the seller for winter invoices. If you show interest in his house, why refuse to show them to you?
Soundproofing. Close all windows to assess the transmission of outside noise. Noise is a nuisance, and noise tolerance is different for each of us. Also, visit the house if possible outside very quiet areas (weekends, holidays, etc.) to find out if it corresponds to your acoustic comfort zone.
Second Work
Fireplace. Ask if it works, if it is maintained, and if it contributes a lot to heating in winter.
Humidity and leakage problems. Watch for drips, traces of rising damp from the floor, condensation, any leaks in the walls.
Ventilation. In the bathroom, or to a lesser extent the kitchen, a good ventilation system, functional and maintained, will protect you from odors and condensation.
Other Risks
Termites. Do not panic if you see traces of termites, but it is then necessary to examine scrupulously all the wood of the house, the frame, and the interior and exterior joinery. Depending on the extent of the termites, you may want to consider changing some woods, or treating.
Often houses are bought after a single visit. And sometimes it doesn’t take more than half an hour. However, a house cannot be viewed carefully in half an hour. A first inspection gives only a first impression and a rough overview – it should never serve as the sole basis for the decision to buy a house. If you like the property, a follow-up visit is generally necessary, during which you can put the house through its paces. If questions arise that remain unresolved, you should have them answered by an expert before buying.
Check out these home inspection tips from AtHomeInspections.net if you need a more help in this area.
