If you're considering buying a property, it is a good idea to personally inspect it - or better still, inspect it with a buyer's agent. I am always available to inspect properties with my clients - even as a stand-alone service. If there's a property you're really keen on, invite me along - I can give you a full property inspection report and show you some tips and pointers to make your next property inspections top notch.
What to check for?
Check for dampness and mould on walls, skirting boards and ceilings.Use your nose as well as your eyes.
Check for sagging ceilings, buckling walls and ceilings, walls and floors that are not straight.
Turn on and off all of the taps: check water pressure and ensure that there's a flow of hot water. Check what sort of hot water system the home has, and how old it is.
Flush the toilet to check for a running cistern.
Try the light switches
Inspect the interior and exterior walls for cracks and other defects.
While in different parts of the property, listen out to gauge noise levels. If possible, inspect the property at different times of the day to ascertain noise levels. A drive by on a Saturday night may reveal if noisy neighbours may become a problem.
Ensure that the fixtures that you see in the property are included in the contract for sale - if they aren't, ask the agent to clarify.