June 17 2021
Are you currently in the process of moving houses and looking to buy a new home? House hunting can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. A house viewing checklist is essential to make the most of your property viewings and ensure you gather all the necessary information. This checklist will help you stay organised, compare properties, and make informed decisions.
In this blog post, we’ve compiled an essential house viewing checklist to guide you through the process and make your home search more efficient.
Let’s dive in!
Exterior Features
Looking at the outside is super important when checking out a house. Let’s break down the key things you want to focus on:
Roof, Gutters, and Exterior Walls:
☐ Check out the roof. Look for any damage, like missing shingles or leaks.
☐ Make sure the gutters are in good shape, with no debris clogging them up.
☐ Give the exterior walls a detailed check, going through any cracks or water stains that might mean more significant problems.
Landscaping:
☐ Take a good look at the lawn, trees, and garden to make sure everything is in good condition.
☐ Make sure you have time and resources to maintain it or decide if you’re more into a low-maintenance yard.
Interior Features
When you enter the house, take the time to closely look at the house’s interior features:
Walls, Floors, and Ceilings:
☐ Check the walls, floors and ceilings for any visible problems like cracks, stains, or signs of water damage, which could indicate structural problems and poor maintenance.
Doors, Windows, and Locks:
☐ Make sure they’re functioning smoothly. Open and close doors and windows to test.
☐ Check if the locks are secure.
Light Switches, Electrical Outlets, and Fixtures:
☐ Test switches to ensure they’re working as expected. Switch lights on and off.
☐ Plug-in devices to check the electrical outlets.
☐ Confirm the functionality of fixtures like ceiling fans or chandeliers.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System:
☐ Evaluate the efficiency and maintenance of the HVAC system.
☐ Ask about its age and regular servicing.
☐ Consider the house’s energy efficiency, potential heating, and cooling costs.
Room Layout and Space
How each room is laid out, and the available space can significantly affect your living experience. Here are a few things to think about:
Layout and Flow:
☐ Look at how each room is arranged and connected to ensure it suits your needs and preferences.
☐ Does the layout match your style.
Size and Storage Space:
☐ Assess the size of each room and the storage options it offers.
☐ Can the rooms comfortably fit your furniture and personal belongings.
☐ Check for closets, cabinets, or other storage solutions that meet your needs.
Kitchen
Pay special attention to the heart of the house – the kitchen. Make sure everything is ticked off right.
Appliances:
☐ Take a good look at the stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Are they in good working condition?
☐ Consider their age and potential future maintenance costs.
Countertop and Cabinets:
☐ Check out the countertop and cabinets. Any signs of damage or wear?
☐ Make sure the kitchen provides enough storage space for your needs.
Plumbing Fixtures:
☐ Keep an eye out for water damage or leaks around the sink and plumbing fixtures.
☐ Test the faucets to ensure everything is in order.
Bathroom
The two key factors when assessing the bathroom are its condition and functionality. Here are the key things to look out for:
Bathroom Fixtures:
☐ Evaluate the bathroom fixtures, like the toilet, sink, bathtub, and shower.
☐ Check for any signs of damage or leaks.
☐ Test the faucets and flush the toilet to ensure they work correctly.
Water Pressure and Ventilation:
☐ Check the water pressure in the shower and sink. Low water pressure could indicate plumbing problems.
☐ Ensure the bathroom has good ventilation to promote airflow and prevent mould or mildew growth.
Storage Space
A well-organised home relies on having enough storage space. Here are a few things to think about:
Check Existing Spaces:
☐ Take a look at closets, basements, and attics to see if they meet your storage needs.
☐ Assess their condition and security.
Consider Self Storage:
☐ If the property lacks sufficient storage, you might consider renting a self-storage unit.
☐ Research local options and ask about availability and pricing.
Safety and Security
Safety and security should be your top priorities before finalising your new home. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Smoke Detectors, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, and Fire Extinguishers:
☐ Make sure these are in good working condition. They play a crucial role in detecting and preventing potential hazards early on.
Security Measures:
☐ Are security measures like alarm systems, sturdy locks, and outdoor lighting in place?
☐ Overall, how safe, and secure is the house?
☐ Does it meet your safety requirements?
Neighbourhood and Surroundings
The neighbourhood and surroundings play a crucial role in your everyday life. Consider the following factors:
Amenities nearby:
☐ Take a stroll around the neighbourhood and evaluate if it aligns with your lifestyle.
☐ Examine its proximity to schools, parks, shopping centres, and public transportation.
☐ Does it meet your needs and preferences.
Noise level and traffic:
☐ Assess the noise level and traffic in the area.
☐ Determine if the neighbourhood is peaceful and safe to bring your family into.
☐ Is there excessive noise and traffic? Will it impact your quality of life?
Maintenance and Upkeep
Knowing how to maintain and take care of a property is crucial. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Renovations and Repairs:
☐ Find out if there have been any recent renovations or repairs.
☐ Find out details on what was done and the quality of the work.
Age and Condition of Major Systems:
☐ Ask about the age and condition of essential systems like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. This will give you an idea of potential future maintenance or replacement costs.
Utility Costs:
☐ Get information on past utility costs to help you budget for ongoing expenses like electricity, gas, and water.
☐ Do these costs align with what you can afford.
Overall Feel and Compatibility
Finally, consider the overall vibe and feel of the property.
Ambience:
☐ Does the house have the right look and feel that you love?
☐ Is it a place where you feel comfortable and at ease?
Long-Term Goals:
☐ Take a moment to think about how the house will fit into your long-term plan.
☐ Do you see the potential for growth or future value?
☐ Can you quickly adapt the space as your needs change?
Take notes, ask questions, and trust your instincts when viewing potential homes. Finding the perfect home is a significant investment, and having a comprehensive checklist will help you evaluate properties objectively, thus helping you find a place that suits your needs and preferences.
