What to look for in a house viewing to buy?

[DesireLight]

What to look for in a house viewing to buy?

I'm worried about missing any obvious major defects (e.g. structural issues, etc.) - does a survey need to be done prior to or after making an offer?

Any other advice on key things to look out for would be very appreciated :)

Our survey didn’t pick up any issues with electrics/ walls (beyond stating no subsidence, which there isn’t)
If you get chance I’d check what work was done and when/ how. Our house had a few potentially dangerous electrical issues because the owners son had installed outdoor lights etc on indoor circuits without breakers, and lights were on socket circuits on the fuse board and vice versa.
I’d ask if any areas had been replastered, when and why. Again, learnt through bitter experience.

Surveys are after you have had an offer accepted but before exchange, so you can pull out based on the survey results if you want.

What qualities do you value? You need to work that out before!

For us it was:
Good schools nearby
3 beds,
Bathroom with bath or potential to put one in
Light and airy
Driveway
Large ish kitchen - desirable

Don't worry about major structural things, that's why you pay a surveyor (and have recourse against them if they miss something).
For the smaller stuff, do you know anyone handy with DIY who you could take for a second viewing if you like it?

Are the windows fogged up? Is it between the panes..if so you need new glass put in as the unit has failed. Look I. Orders and down the side of furniture against walls to see if damp.

Ease of parking
What's the surrounding area like
I would have a walk around the area at different times of day to get a feel for it

Is the garden north facing ie nowhere to sit in the sun? Is there enough parking? Catchment areas for Schools? Bus routes for any teenagers? Council tax rating? Is it on a lorry route (not good)? Is there enough storage space? Ask the neighbours what the internet is like?
How far to the nearest shop? Is there a decent pub within walking distance?

Look carefully at the exterior, especially near the roof for signs of water damage. If you can get up into the attic check the underside of the roof for water marks. A new roof is really expensive.

Electrics- look at the fuse box, find out when it was last done. Look at how many and location of sockets- generally of they are in or just below skirting, or if there're not many it's v old.
Boiler - check age, serviced, look at radiators, check water pressure upstairs, look at hot water cylinder if there is one (how much water does it hold/ well insulated).
Lightly tap the walls to listen out for loose plaster.
Be suspicious about any wallpaper/ wood chip- what's it masking underneath?
Windows - any sign of misting up.
Outside: woodwork- give it a poke/ tap to make sure it's not rotten. Look at roof and chimney area- no gaps, looks smooth.

These are some things I wish I'd looked at before buying my money pit...

Go at lots of different Times to check the parking .
Check street view to see crime in the area.
Check the sunshine , do you get any.