Viewing a house checklist

26th January 2024

There are many things to consider when buying a property and buyers must also remember to consider acquiring a property worthy of their investment and time.

Knowing your worth is as vital as knowing when to walk away, which is why inspecting with the right knowledge of the all-important things to look for in a house when buying will help prevent disappointment. With these house viewing tips on our property checklist, you can find your perfect home with ease.

Contents:

• Exterior and structures
• Interior and layout
• Plumbing and electrical
• Kitchens and bathrooms
• General considerations
• Legal documentation
• Future potential
• Additional house viewing tips
• Ready to find your perfect home?

Exterior and Structures

When it comes to buying a home, the exterior is just as important as the interior. Exterior issues are among some of the most costly to address, so ensuring you’re purchasing a home with a sound structure and exterior features is crucial. 
 

Roof Condition

 
Replacing a roof is an expensive venture. During your house viewing or before, enquire about the age of the roof, as old-build roofs have a lower life expectancy compared to modern ones, and what material the roof was sealed with. 
 

Walls and Foundations

Large cracks on floors and ceilings could suggest a potential structural issue, which if confirmed could entail a costly project involving a new foundation being installed.
 

Windows and Doors

At a house viewing, feel free to get acquainted with the various intricacies of your potential buy by testing windows and doors, ensuring they easily open and close, and line up with their frames.
 

Garden

Inspect the garden; is much maintenance required to keep the garden tidy? 
Having a shed or facility for storing gardening equipment can be the best solution to storage in the garden. 
 

Garage and Driveway

Look closer - is the garage an appropriate size? Is the driveway made of a durable material for your car? Is the driveway on a sloping site?
 

Interiors and Layout

Discover essential things to check in the interior of your potential new home that can ‘make or break’ a purchase.  

Room Sizes and Layout

Compare the house floorplan to any current furniture you own. Ask yourself: are the dimensions correct, and will you need to account for the cost of new furniture for your new home?
 

Walls and Ceilings

 
Are there signs of watermarked walls or ceilings or peeling plaster? It’s easy to uncover if you thoroughly look at your surroundings and take photos to refer back to. 
 

Flooring

In any house build, the floor is an integral part of the house that you’ll use every day, and replacing floor tiles or carpet can be a tedious job if you are not looking for a project.
 

Storage Space

How much storage space does your property offer? Is there an attic? If you have a large family, having appropriate storage facilities in your home is vital to keeping a clear organised home. 

Enquire about space dimensions and look in the cupboards. Is there additional room to grow over the years or can you see yourself outgrowing the house quickly?
 

Plumbing and Electrical

Another important question to ask when viewing a house: what are the plumbing and electrics like?
   

Water Pressure

Feel free to turn taps on and off or shower and see how it runs - if the water is running fast, it suggests excellent water pressure.

Heating System

Arguably the most important question, when considering heating expenses, is what heating system does the house uses. Gas, electric or oil?

Enquire into the age of the boiler, what its service history is, and if it needs replacing. Also, check if there are radiators installed on the property.
 

Electrical Outlets

How energy efficient is your potential buy? Do sockets function correctly?
 

Lighting

Switch room lights on and off - do they work and turn on quickly? 

It’s also worth checking how much natural light the property benefits from. Are there many windows that would bring a lot of natural light into your house?
 

Kitchens and Bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms are important to get right, as they are among the more expensive rooms in the house to bring up to standard.
   

Appliances and Fixtures

Find out the last time the previous owners redecorated and if any alterations are needed. Some appliances, such as ovens and dishwashers, may be built-in, so check if they come with the property or if you’ll need to purchase appliances that fit the space. 
 

Ventilation

Are there large windows nearby? Is there adequate space for air to circulate?
 

Tiling and Sealants

Are the tiling and sealants clear and free of potential mould? Water and steam from cooking and washing in a well-ventilated house is less likely to cause condensation and will be visibly clear upon inspection.
 

General Considerations

 

If you are content with the way your house looks and feels, here are the next steps to evaluating if your lifestyle is compatible with the build.
 

Noise Levels

Do viewings at different times to size up the noise levels during the day and be prepared to research the neighbourhood beforehand.
 

Neighbourhood

Assess the area's amenities, transport links, and overall ambience. Consider and test what your commute would be like, either via public transport or car: is it realistic and manageable for your routine, even during rush hour? For weekly shops or social activities, are you near towns or shopping centres? And for schools, is there a reputable educational institution for your children to attend for the new term?
 

Security

Research your neighbourhood and crime-rate statistics, and check that the property has built-in alarms and durable locks already installed for guaranteed safety upon moving in.
 

Parking

If the house does not have a garage or driveway, check for enough on-street parking for the number of cars you own. Are you on a private road, or is it a communal open space? Parking is a crucial factor, and if a permit must be considered, this is worth noting and considering for your potential total expenses.
 

Legal and Documentation

Are you thinking about buying? Before you go ahead, ask for these paperwork essentials.
 

Property Documents: 

Ensure all necessary paperwork is available and enquire after the following:

•    Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Rating
•    Council Tax Band
 

Building Regulations

Check for any modifications with planning permission and/or any sign-off documentation for any previous house modifications.
 

Future Potential

Your home is your investment, and all investments have future potential.  

Extension/Modification Possibilities

Is the size not ideal, but the property is? Consider the cost of modifications and the possibilities of your property.
 

Resale Value

Is the property a worthy investment candidate? If you put time and attention into your property, imagine the resale opportunities your investment could achieve in the right direction.
 

Additional Tips for Viewing a House

Take your time and make multiple visits to make a house decision.   

If optional, avoid virtual pre-recorded viewings, as things can be overlooked. If unavoidable, a live video call is preferable as you can ask to inspect problems close-up or go back if needed.
 

Take Notes and Photos

Keep a record that you can refer back to. You may have things you wish you looked at better, with photos you can look back and investigate for as long as needed.
 

Ask Questions

Ask the seller or agent about the property's history and condition. A respectable estate agent or seller will happily help you every step of the way, as well as support your decision and help answer any questions you may have until you are satisfied. 
 

Trust our experienced estate agents to help find your perfect home

With hundreds of homes across South Devon to choose from, and trusted service and expertise, we at Marchand Petit can help buyers find their perfect new home. With the right vision in mind, we can assist with all the practicalities of your move and offer a lifetime of enjoyment with our glorious range of coastal homes and more across locations such as Modbury, Salcombe and Dartmouth.