Press Room
Snag Before You Buy
Homeowners spend £6,362* on average getting their new home just the way they want it. To help buyers save money, Email4Property, the UK’s largest online network of estate agents, suggests tips for snagging a property and spotting potential problems before they buy.
Don’t put a dampener on your purchase
Watermarks on ceilings and bubbling paint and peeling wallpaper are all signs of damp and should be investigated. Mould on external walls could also indicate that the property has poor ventilation, leading to further problems.
Ensure a see-through sale
Windows should open fully and be locked by key. Triple glazing is a must for homes on busy roads while double glazing will help reduce noise and prevent heat from escaping. For older windows with a wooden frame, make sure there is no sign of rot.
Heat up your search
Central heating comes as standard in most homes but make sure radiators work and can be individually temperature controlled. How old is the boiler and when was it last serviced?
Stop your dream home from slipping away
Settlement affects most properties but large cracks in plasterwork, bulges and joint distortions above windows and doors can hint at bigger problems.
Power your purchase
Are there enough power points in rooms and when were these fitted? Make sure socket switches turn off safely as these could present a hazard for younger children.
The pressure test
Test showers and taps for water pressure and consider the impact of appliances, such as a washing machine, on this. Installing smaller pipes or a pressure booster could be costly.
Make sure of space
Make sure there is adequate space for appliances, such as a dishwasher and tumble dryer, in kitchens and utility rooms without compromising on storage. Otherwise, this could mean re-routing electricity and water supply to other rooms or outbuildings.
Seal a buy
Drafts will allow heat to escape, losing you money on fuel bills and creating a chill in colder months. This could be caused by ill fitting doors and windows and replacing these may prove to be the only option.
Steve Lees, Head of Marketing at Email4Property, comments:
“A survey will pick up any serious problems with a property later on in the buying process but snagging before you put in an offer will give you an idea of the cost involved in bringing a home up to scratch. Your estate agent can help negotiate price and at Email4Property you can search for approved local tradesmen who will be able to help fix any problems.”
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Notes for Editors:
Article date: 2/4/2011 12:00:00 AM