How to properly inspect a property
Regardless of whether you’re in the market for an investment property or a place to call home, buying a property requires research and due diligence
And that due diligence starts at the first open home you attend when you’re not just perusing the residence to see if it suits your needs but also casting a critical eye over it for faults and potential issues.
So how do you ensure you properly inspect a property? What should you be on the lookout for, how many times should you inspect the home, and who should you call in for a second opinion?
Here are our top tips on how to properly inspect a property to really set your mind at ease.
What to look for
That first visit to a property you’re considering buying is an important one. Not only are you assessing whether you like it and it suits your needs, budget, and goals, you are also looking at it critically, to see if there are any faults or issues.
And that’s a lot to accomplish in a walk through that can often be measured in minutes. To help, it’s always a good idea to do an initial tour of the home just to get the feel and lie of the land.
Then, walk through at least once more, this time looking for things that need to be fixed or that you would change about the home.
This includes keeping an eye out for:
- Alterations to the property
- Signs of water damage or rising damp
- Signs of recent repairs
- Signs of pest or building issues
Once you leave the property and you’re back in the car, jot down any notes you have about the property, including pros and cons.
How many inspections
If the property piques your interest, then you’ll want to either attend the next open home or schedule a private viewing, and it begs the question, which is better?
Well a public viewing allows a level of anonymity as you further inspect the property, but a private viewing lets you really acquaint yourself with the space. It also gives you the opportunity to ask questions of the agent, without distraction or interruption.
As for how many inspections or open homes you should attend prior to making an offer? Well, most people inspect the property they purchase between two and five times.
Expert opinions
It’s not just you who should inspect the property. If you’re serious about buying, you should also call in the experts.
As a minimum, these experts will include pest and building inspectors, but you may also want to bring your builder or architect through or a trusted friend or family member who can offer a second opinion on the property.
