In somebody else's house, what do you notice most?

[4littleones]

when you go to somebody else's house, what do you notice/judge the most?

I always find myself looking at dirt in the bathroom. Possibly because I'm alone in there, but also I think if you having guests round, you should at least spend 10 mins wiping the bathroom.

but I know everybody has different standards and priorities so just interested to know what you notice most?

[gymboywalton]

how warm the welcome, if they make me a brew and if there is anywhere to sit down.

other than that i don't really care.

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

Dirty toilets. Hairy carpets (I have laminate floors and am often astounded at how minging carpets can be.

[LaurieFairyCake]

What the cake they offer is like.

Ditto coffee.

Plus relaxed friend

[Koothrapanties]

How homely it is. Quite a few of my friends have nice, tidy, clean homes, but they feel cold (not temperature wise). They have nice things, but they just don't seem homely to me. I guess everyone has different likes.

[gymboywalton]

i once spent 3 hours in a woman's home [had to be there -course type thing] and the only thing i can tell you about that house was....i wasn't offered a single drink in the entire time.

[Monkeybubbles1]

I always notice how it smells, whether good or bad.

[EmmanuelWoganberry]

How comfortable it is, warm with cosy lighting and a cup of tea is perfect.

[hoppingmad]

Smell here too - I love a nice smelling house.

[LineRunner]

Well obviously if they have the requisite million books or not.

[muttonjeffmum]

I always notice if there are sticky/dirty marks around the doorhandles and light switches.

[LeMousquetaireAnonyme]

The smell too, sometimes you don't even want to go in. Then the temperature it is always bloody freezing in the uk and I don't feel I can keep my coat without being rude.

[EyelinerQueen]

I always notice how a house smells. I love a nice smelling house and really don't like noticeable pet smells (and I have a dog!).

Apart from that I notice the general feel of the house and if it's cosy and welcoming.

I'm not one bit arsed about a wee bit of mess or dust.

[Koothrapanties]

Oh yes the smell too.

[PinklePurr]

The tea. If it's semi-skimmed milk I always think "bugger", but I'd NEVER say anything.

[murphys]

I love the feeling of going into someone's home that is lived in. If I go into a house that is just that, a house, then I always feel a bit uncomfortable. Like where to put my cup when I'm done with the tea etc. I much prefer with going to a home where there are still a few dishes that haven't been done yet and toys lying about. Then I know I will feel more relaxed as that is what my home is like

[rembrandtsrockchick]

Lack of books.

Stale food smell.

Lack of books!

[MaryWestmacott]

The smell, I do have a very sensitive sence of smell, and bad smells (even in a perfectly clean house) can bother me. But other than that, I don't really notice dirt other than to think "aha, I don't need to do the mad rush around clean when this friend comes over as we're in the 'relaxed around each other' category".

I do, however, judge people who serve crap coffee.

[BackforGood]

How welcoming the person is - it's the company I am there for, not a house inspection.
I would however judge if they didn't offer me a cuppa

[Branleuse]

I always notice books and CDs.

I never take any notice of whether a house is tidy or clean

[insancerre]

I always think how much more tidier it is than mine
and how they have a complete kitchen and bathroom
and how they are not living in a ' project'

[Cherryblossomsmile]

I notice pictures, photos and books.
I feel I know a bit more about a person by these things.

Otherwise. The welcome, the tea, the cake, the chat and the company.

I like my tea in a clean mug, otherwise I'm not fussed about cleanliness unless it's really minging, of course!

[claraschu]

I like houses that look fun and friendly. I notice if there are signs of good food, art projects, books, interesting kid's mess, old "treasures", things which show you the character and interests of the people living there. I don't feel comfortable in places that have no personality and no past.

[Florin]

Bathroom. I think it is because you can run your eyes round it without being spotted. If we know we have guest coming I will always do a quick whip round the bathroom (obviously keep it clean inbetween too).

[BorisJohnsonsHairdresser]

Smell, quality of air, if I am offered a drink and I need somewhere comfy to sit. I don't mind what is going on in the bathroom as long as the toilet and sink are clean. I don't mind what is going on with the kitchen as long as the sink, worktops and dishes are clean.

[Nunyabiz]

The smell, the floors and also how warm the home is... I don't understand people who insist on sitting there freezing their butts off. Turn on the heating for a moment! I dread staying the night at people's houses that are not sufficiently heated and their kids are always running around with snot streaming down their noses!