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2nd viewing help

4 replies

Househelpneeded · 03/03/2019 19:57

I am going for a second viewing tomorrow, what should I be looking for?
I don't understand how to check wiring/if property needs rewiring. Do I simply ask the estate agent at this stage, or is there something I should look for? I know surveys etc will be done but I just mean at this second viewing stage.
It has no central heating so this is something we will put in if we buy it.
It is my first property so I am anxious not to be ripped off/make a big mistake!

OP posts:
lll77 · 03/03/2019 20:45

I think the main purpose of a second viewing is to have a really good look for things you might have missed on a first viewing, especially if you really love the house or flat. It is really easy to be distracted by the current owners style and the way the property is presented, so on a second viewing you really want to be focused on the bones of the building itself as that is what you are actually buying.

Try and look for things that might be a problem - parking, litter from shops or takeaways, noise from neighbouring schools/roads/pubs etc. Have a look at the guttering, roof, windows to see if there are any obvious signs of things needing repair. If you need to check the wiring, you can get an electrician out to have a look for you, but you may be able to get an idea by looking at the fuse board and sockets.

Is it a doer-upper? Sounds like it might be if it has no heating. If so, you might want to get some quotes from various trades once you have done the survey so that you have a good idea of what you need to spend to get it how you want.

Nanalisa60 · 03/03/2019 20:53

Put a compus app on your phone to see were the sun will be in the back garden!! Make sure there will be enough room in the bedrooms for wardrobes. Make sure there will be enough storage in the house for your needs!!

Lucisky · 04/03/2019 07:50

Try the taps. A friend recently bought a house and discovered there was no hot feed to one basin.
Make sure the windows open and close properly, similarly doors.
You can't check the wiring unless you know about it, that's a job for an electrician, however, you can look at the fuse board. If it's the old style that uses fuse wire (check online for pictures) there's a chance the wiring might be very old.
Ask where the meters are if they are not obvious. Has it actually got a gas supply? (assuming there is gas in the area).
Likewise the stopcock. I once bought a poor conversion and discovered my stopcock was in another flat - very useful!
If you will be responsible for the roof, (i.e. a house and not a flat in the middle of a block) take some binoculars with you and have a good look at the tiles, chimney and rainwater goods.
Flush the loo.
As it has no central heating, which is a bit unusual these days in older properties, it makes it sound like a bit of a do-er up-er. Get a full survey, not a homebuyers report or valuation survey.

MrsMoastyToasty · 04/03/2019 07:57

Go into the loft and have a look at the roofing felt. See if you can see daylight.
Look at the air bricks and see if they have been covered
Does it have a garage? What is it made of?

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