Have you just decided to sell up your home and move into a new place? If so then the search will now begin for a new property that you can call home. 

On the first tour of a home, prospective owners get a gut feeling. But gut feelings are sometimes not enough. There are many details about a home when you first look at it that you might miss. Use these guidelines for house inspectors and architects to make an informed assessment of the condition of the houses.

Here’s everything you need to know about home showing and things to check.

Sanitary Facilities and Floors

One way to say is whether the sanitary facilities are up to date. Look for floors with unusual sagging or dipping, especially in bathrooms. Go to the toilet while you are there and ask yourself how was the experience? Did it flush ok? Did the sink flow correctly? 

Check floors in other parts of the apartment. A spot with cracks in the walls is not good. A crack in a brick wall, or movement, can signify a fundamental structural problem.

Drywall and Cellars

A small crack in drywall is not a cause for concern, but a large crack or crack with discoloration may indicate a structural problem or leak.

Be careful if it looks as if the house has not been renovated for a while. If you discover fresh paint on the sheet metal in the basement or on the cellar ceiling this should also set alarm bells ringing. 

The location is crucial, he said, because it is more likely to be in a place where termites or indoor ants can cause damage.

If you have a cellar, look out for water. If it rains and the cellar looks dry, that’s good news. But if it is dry, but the cellar seems damp, you should look at a deeper problem and find out where the water comes from. If you notice an unusual cover-up, ask for work.

Open and close windows multiple times to check their quality. 

The costs can quickly add up if you need to replace them later. Cheap, broken windows are also likely to drive up heating costs if they are not replaced. This is not a big deal-breaker, but it shouldn’t be a big headache when it comes to upgrading a home.

Planet Roof

It can be difficult for a layman to know what a roof looks like, but if it does, don’t be afraid to ask questions and get an expert opinion.

Ask why the roof was installed and ask for the warranty on the back of the roof. Older houses may have multiple layers of roofing, some of which may contain asbestos. 

Trees and Roofs

Trees are often overlooked because they are not part of the actual house. But trees should be on your radar. Trees near homes pose all sorts of risks, from trees catching fire to storms.

Smaller risks include gutters filled with leaves and roots entering the basement and beetle infestation. Removing large trees from roads can be expensive, especially in densely populated urban areas.

The Electrics 

Take a look at the control panels and ask if the homeowner has ever experienced regular power outages. If so, it looks like it has been installed recently. Be careful with systems that have not been replaced in a few decades. There can be a lot of exposed wiring.

It’s also a way to check how much lead is in the water, Briggs says. Once you have secured a place in the free state, you can test the pipes with a water set. Electricity and plumbing are important, so it is a good idea to call in an expert for a second tour.

If you are preparing to sell a house yourself then you can take this checklist in reverse. This way you won’t raise alarm bells with potential sellers. 

Asking Owners and Sellers 

What’s important in a home viewing? One of the key issues is if the owner is present. Always ask them questions. Not asking the owner or getting emotional is a mistake to avoid. 

Once you reach out to the sellers, you want to ask if they have a repair history and if they were manufactured under warranty, Briggs says. New tiles and fittings are not new pipes but new tiles and fittings.

Make sure the warranty covers everyone in the house, not just the homeowner. Check for building violations and permits. Check with the local building authority, fire brigade, and heritage office to make sure the house is fully equipped. You may feel fine when you leave work, but investigate open violations or permit issues before saddling the house.

For a home, it’s important to have the all-clear from local authorities. Make sure that all work on the house has been registered with the local building authority. Numerous complaints can signal that there is a problem with a house and where it comes from, so be sensitive to neighbors and what they think.

For example, if a previous owner added a fourth bedroom to the house and never submitted a permit, the house might be taxed as a three-bedroom apartment.  

Home Showing: Get An Expert 

Are you worried about your house becoming a never-ending black hole of money needing repairs? Then the easiest thing to do would be to hire an expert to come on your house tours with you.

Many companies offer this service and an expert can put your mind to rest. They will ask all the tough questions for you. They might also spot damage that you could easily miss. 

If you are interested in learning more about what to ask on a home showing be sure to check out the rest of our site.