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?

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.

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

What the cake they offer is like.

Ditto coffee.

Plus relaxed friend

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.

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.

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

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

Smell here too - I love a nice smelling house.

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

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

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.

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.

Oh yes the smell too.

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

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

Lack of books.

Stale food smell.

Lack of books!

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.

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

I always notice books and CDs.

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

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'

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!

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.

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).

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.

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!