10 Red Flags to Look for When Viewing a House
01/05/2024
Ensuring the quality and safety of new homes has always been crucial. Recent reports on housing issues have underscored this importance even further. There has been a surge in the number of problems encountered by new buyers, especially with newly constructed properties. Over the years, these issues have escalated to present serious financial and safety concerns for new and first-time buyers in the UK.
House Viewing Checklist
1. Cracks Indicators:
- Diagonal or jagged wall cracks
- Cracks surrounding windows and doors
- Extensive cracking in paint and wallpaper
- Cracks wider than 15mm
2. Odours Signs of:
- Dampness
- Sewage issues
- Water damage
- Pest infestation
- Chemical contamination
3. Woodworm Look for:
- Small round holes in wood (1-3mm wide)
- Dust piles near wooden surfaces
- Deteriorating woodwork revealing tunnels
4. Uneven Floors Indicators:
- Gaps beneath skirting boards
- Loose or cracked flooring
- Consider using a spirit level
5. Trees Signs of:
- Proximity of trees to the house
- Weakness in nearby trees (e.g., physical damage, rot)
- Dead trees or roots lifting near the home
- Disruptive tree species
6. Windows and Doors Look for:
- Poorly fitting windows and doors
- Visible gaps between frames and walls
- Water damage around windows and doors
- Foggy window panes
- Difficulty opening or closing doors or windows
7. Japanese Knotweed Identification tips:
- Summer growth: Tall plant with red-hued stems and large heart-shaped leaves
- Autumn flowers: Clustered cream-colored flowers resembling elderflowers
- Winter appearance: Standing canes with dulled red color and dying leaves
- Young plants: Emerging as pinkish buds or spears at ground level
8. Crime Mapping Considerations:
- Researching local crime rates and disputes
- Checking insurance costs
- Assessing neighborhood safety during evenings and weekends
- Speaking with locals and neighbors
9. Asbestos Steps to take:
- Determine the house's construction date
- Inquire about asbestos testing
- Seek information from other residents or local sources
10. Flooding Resources:
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Scotland)
- NI Direct (Northern Ireland)
- Natural Resources Wales (Wales)
- GOV.UK (England)
How Housing Red Flags Can Affect Your Insurance Costs
The premiums for your home and car insurance are determined by insurance firms, taking into account the risks you pose as an insured individual. They assess various risk factors, with each insurer assigning its own significance to different factors. Hence, it's crucial to compare quotes from multiple insurers to secure the best rates. However, if you purchase a property with the above warning signs, it could lead to higher insurance premiums.
This article is designed to offer general advice and may not apply to every insurance, broker, insurer, cover or policy. You would need to check the individual policy benefits of each cover with your insurer or broker.
