What do you see when purchasing a house?

When buying a house most people will walk through the house once at a open home, and then if they think that they are interested, will make a second and possibly third visit.

For most people, buying a house will be one of the biggest investments that they will ever make. Therefore it is unbelievable that the decision to buy will be based on possibly as little as three visits and a whole lot of emotion.

No doubt that there is consideration given to:

  • Size of house and section
  • Layout and number of rooms
  • Storage
  • Road appeal
  • Orientation for sunlight
  • Garaging etc.

The house may have been recently renovated, may be a complete do up with great potential, or may be in great but original condition.

BUT how many people really know what they are in for? How many people will look at a property with a critical eye, or have the knowledge required to be so circumspect?

Houses need to be inspected from the foundations to roof to determine the true condition of the structure.

Has a recently redecorated/ repainted house always been kept in such pristine condition or has the dwelling been prepared for sale,.If so, then any work carried out may be superficial, done on the cheap and will therefore rapidly deteriorate, leaving the new home owner disappointed and with a hefty remediation bill.

Your new purchase may have a new kitchen including cabinetry, new bathrooms, ensuite laundry including new plumbing and electrical fittings and fixtures. Did this work require building consents? Are there producer statements, certificates of compliance (or similar) for the building, plumbing and electrical work.

Are there tiles in the wet areas? If so than a water proofing membrane should have been applied behind the tiles. Has this waterproofing been carried out by a Licenced applicator? Has a producer statement been issued for this work?

If the house has been redecorated/renovated but the foundations are in need of replacement or partial replacement, then this renovation work may be damaged due to the re levelling of the house.

If the roof is in poor condition and at risk of letting in water then this will need to be addressed as soon as possible to ensure the interior of the house is not damaged.

Rotten joinery and cladding may have been patch repaired and painted over for the purpose of selling the property. These areas will deteriorate very quickly and will need to be readdressed.This usually entails replacement of the rot affected components.

Unfortunately if any work is required as mentioned above, this work will not necessarily add value to a property, whereas a bathroom, kitchen, laundry, garage, landscaping etc will.

So be very careful of where you heart is taking you. My advice is to have the property inspected by a suitably qualified property inspector to ensure that your new purchase is a true investment.