New House CheckList
Moving house can be quite a difficult experience, especially if you have quite a few criteria you’re determined to find in your dream home. Viewing the house is one of the biggest steps in the buying process, but this won’t tell you everything you need to know. Don’t be afraid to ask some direct and to-the-point questions when you’re taking a look around, as the answers should give you the information you need to figure out whether the house is to become your new home.
1) What am I buying?
Don’t just assume that you get what you see – ask if there is any land included in the sale, whether there’s a garage that comes with the house and what fittings are available within it. The last thing you want to do is move into a new house that comes without a boiler, for example.
2) How much will my bills be?
The seller might not have an accurate answer to this question, but it still makes sense to find out how much your council tax and utility bills will be. Find out whether the house uses gas, electricity or both.
3) Who’s lived here before me?
This question will give you some insight into what kind of condition your house is likely to be in. If at all possible, try to find a new build home that has only just been put on the market, as this will ensure it hasn’t seen any bad owners in the past.
4) What about the boiler?
Boiler problems could end up costing you an arm and a leg further down the line, so always ask whether there are been any faults with it and when it was last serviced.
5) Is it insulated?
In this day and age, having a properly insulated home could save you hundreds on your heating bill, so ask after the house’s loft and cavity wall insulation. If there isn’t any, you’ll need to pay for it yourself which will require remodelling and money.
6) Has it been remodelled?
If you aren’t looking at a new home, ask about past property alterations. If there have been any, make sure you’re given the planning and building consent forms to examine.
7) Is central heating installed?
You’ll want to make sure the house comes with full central heating; otherwise you could end up paying through the nose for individual heaters or remodelling to have radiators fitted. If there is central heating, ask how old it is and whether there have ever been any problems with it.
8) How new is the décor?
If the house you’re viewing has outdated décor you might have to pay extra to have it updated once you move in. You’ll need to consider whether this is something you’re willing to do, and how much it will end up costing you.
9) What’s the surrounding area like?
This is something you can research online as well, but asking the seller or estate agent should also give you an idea. Ask after the crime rate and any local amenities that you may find useful.
10) What are the neighbours like?
Everyone wants to have nice neighbours, so take some time to ask about them. Find out how long they’ve lived in the area, whether there’s a friendly atmosphere to the street, whether there have ever been any disputes, and so on.
Please feel free to comment away with any handy moving house tips you may have!
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