When you first go to see a property, it's easy to get caught up looking at the layout, room sizes and dimensions, and the aspect of the house, but it's important to remember to consider these three key factors:
Always check the structural integrity.
A thorough inspection is important to check for structural issues that could lead to costly repairs and safety hazards.
Check everywhere for damp.
Make sure that you look behind doors, in corners and under windows for any damp, no mater how small. You should even go as far as to move items (ask first!) that could be hiding any damp areas. Resolving the cause of the damp and rectifying any damage could be costly.
Check the boiler and electrics.
Locate the boiler; check the manufacturer, model and serial number to find out the age of the boiler. Ask to see if there is any service history. Check the flue condition and are there any odd smells?
Locate the consumer unit; look for any labels, circuit breakers, fuses, the Residual Current Device (RCD) and the main switch. Check any visible wiring, as the property may need to be rewired, depending on the age/condition. Also, have a look at the electrical switches and sockets; replacing boilers and rewiring can be expensive. Take photos of anything that you want to check.
What other things do you think are the most important to look out for?
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