While a freshly refurbished home may look attractive, there can be pitfalls. The newly painted walls and redone floors may say to a prospective buyer that there is no DIY on their near horizon. However, this may not be the case. It is wise to take your time and assess a property that’s just had work done on it.
Check Everything
If the property has a flat roof, it may be a good idea to look at it after rain to make sure water is not collecting in puddles. This can cause leaks and other problems. Even when you have insurance, being out of pocket over repairs may be an issue, as seen in this report in The Guardian.
If the property was extended or added to, you might want to check that the proper planning permission was given. Otherwise you may find that an extension will have to be torn down.
Look Under the Surface
It’s always a good idea to look for damp. Check for any signs of blistering paint, water marks and flaking plaster. Recent work may be trying to hide a damp problem. For a home buyers survey London has many professionals who will investigate any issues. During a home buyers survey London surveyors will uncover problems and possibly help you negotiate a lower price. Your conveyancers should be able to help here, and it’s worth getting reliable conveyancers on board and looking around to see what different firms, such as Sam Conveyancing, can offer you.
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Many people who have bought property have also said they wished they did simple checks on the plumbing, such turning on taps, looking at the shower pressure and flushing the toilet. You don’t need to be a plumber to see a serious plumbing problem.
Just because work is recent, it doesn’t mean it was done well. Check recent renovations for the quality of work and the materials used. The finish on walls and other surfaces that have not been prepared properly will be sub-standard and may even trap damp. You are better off getting work done yourself than accepting shoddy efforts.
There are many things to look out for when buying a property. A recently renovated place may look great at first, but it pays to take the time to examine every aspect properly and see the underlying foundations are sound.
