How to Avoid Buying a Home with Existing Issues

A property might appear beautiful both inside and out, but it could be riddled with various issues that could pose a risk to its structural integrity, your quality of life, and your finances.

If you’re in the market for a new home, you must try to make sure you purchase a property with as little issues as possible. The use of various tactics will reduce the likelihood of problems once you receive the keys. Here’s how to avoid buying a home with existing issues.

Buy a New-Build Home

Older properties are more likely to have various issues, such as poor plumbing, heating problems, damp, outdated wiring, and even the presence of asbestos. However, you can potentially avoid all of the above by purchasing a new-build property.

Why consider a new build home? Well, you can enjoy peace of mind that the plumbing, electrics, and heating will meet current regulations, and it’ll be more energy efficient due to wall insulation, loft insulation, and double glazing. Plus, a brand-new home may feature energy-efficient appliances to reduce your home’s emissions and energy bills.

Invest in a Thorough Property Survey

Don’t cut corners when it comes to a property survey. It’s common sense to invest in a full survey of a property, as a home will cost a significant sum. A thorough survey could help you identify potential issues with a property before signing on the dotted line.

Common issues found in a property survey include:

·       Damp

·       Electrical safety problems

·       Roof repairs

·       Invasive plants

·       Structural movement

·       Blocked or overflowing gutters

·       Poor insulation

·       Asbestos

An in-depth survey might sound expensive, but it could prevent you from purchasing a property riddled with issues, making it worth every penny.

Avoid an Ambitious Renovation Project

The thought of transforming a dilapidated property into a beautiful home might fill you with excitement. However, an ambitious renovation project might be the wrong move for your finances. If a home hasn’t been well-cared for over the years by one or more previous owners, many expensive issues could be lurking inside the property.

If you have your heart set on renovating or refurbishing a property, you must conduct various surveys to ensure that you’re 100% confident that it’s free of costly issues. Also, you may need to consult one or more builders or contractors to execute projects to a high standard at a value-for-money price.

 

Don’t Ignore the Roof During a Property Viewing

Many budding homeowners focus on reviewing a property’s interior during a house viewing, but the exterior could indicate potential issues lurking both inside and outside the property. For example, pay close attention to the roof for possible problems, as damaged tiles or blocked guttering that could indicate a leak, water damage, and structural issues. A quick inspection could prevent an expensive mistake.

There’s no guarantee that the home you buy will be free of problems, but many tactics could reduce the likelihood of issues once you receive the keys. Keep the above advice in mind to avoid buying a home with existing and expensive problems.