Buying a new home is one of the greatest milestones of our lives and a matter of great pride. But behind the joy and pride of being a new homeowner lies a long-drawn process that can often be stressful and complex to understand. Once you decide on a budget and the type of house that would best fit your needs comes the task of going around exploring the available options that fit your rubrics. A home tour is the most effective way to grasp whether a property indeed suits your needs or not so that you can make a wise choice. While you are looking around your potential home before the purchase, there are some things that are easily overlooked but might cause inconvenience later on. Here is a list of things to positively check during a home tour that buyers often tend to miss out.
See also: 5 steps to buy a house, for first-time home buyers
Water damage and stains
If you are considering a used property for purchase, identifying the signs of water damage early on can help prevent hassles in the future. Check for any discolouration, peeling paint, swollen wood, and mildew smell on ceilings, walls and under sinks and plumbing fixtures that might indicate water damage. If detected, consider them as warning signs of plumbing issues, roof leaks or prior flooding that can accentuate mould growth and cause more serious problems requiring expensive repairs later on.Â
Electrical panel and outlets
It is highly recommended to open the main electrical panel and check it thoroughly during the home tour, even if it requires seeking special permission. Make sure that it is labelled clearly and does not show any signs of rust and overheating, has tangled wires, or shows any sign of a potential safety hazard. Furthermore, also check all the electrical outlets with the help of a phone charger or an electrical tester to ensure that they are operating correctly. An outdated or poorly maintained electrical system is often unsafe and costly to upgrade. Checking the number of outlets in each room to ensure that it suits your needs is also a good idea.
Windows and natural light
Try every window to ensure smooth opening and ease of operation. Condensation between double panes and damaged seals are also some aspects worth checking when it comes to windows. Old or damaged windows can often be drafty and can significantly raise energy costs. Moreover, they might affect the amount of natural light reaching your space, thereby hampering mood and functionality.
Noise levels
Pause at all the rooms and listen carefully to detect the normal level of noise reaching them. Alongside this, also check the outdoor surroundings for sources of noise such as traffic, rail lines, barking dogs and more. It is not always possible to notice noise and disturbing elements during a brief tour, especially when not consciously trying to notice them. However, it can greatly impact your comfort and sleep once you move in. Therefore, it is wise to take a moment to try and detect as much noise as possible during the tour itself.
Storage space
Open and check every closet, cabinet and built-in provided in the property and count the number of linen closets, pantry spaces and attic/cellar access points available. This will help you gauge the utilisation of the space better. Lack of storage can be a common regret after moving in, especially in older homes that might not offer many built-ins.
Foundation and flooring
Walk slowly and carefully, preferably barefoot, to feel for uneven floors, sloping or soft spots. Also look for horizontal cracks in walls or near door frames. These signs might signal some deeper foundation settling or structural issues that may be costly to fix and affect the resale value of the property.
Roof and gutters
A home tour doesn’t just mean checking the interiors of the property. The outer facade also requires thorough checking to fully understand the property’s condition. Check the roof and gutters for missing shingles, visible sagging and plant growth, preferably using binoculars or a zoomed phone camera. A damaged or old roof might imply water damage, insulation problems and the need for a big-ticket repair soon after purchase.
Neighbourhood conditions
After the home tour, take a walk or drive around the block. Check the condition of the lawns, see if there are many homes that are vacant or up for sale, and notice the nearby schools, parks and commercial establishments. Your investment doesn’t just include the property but also the surrounding area. Poor neighbourhood upkeep can affect the future value of your home and the daily quality of life.
Cell reception and internet availability
Test the signal strength at all corners of the house using your phone. Inquire about the best internet service providers of the area and check the speed test results if possible. With remote working gradually becoming the norm post the pandemic, good internet connectivity is one of the topmost priorities of homebuyers. Dead zones or lack of service options can often be frustrating, especially for streaming-heavy households.
Water supply
When touring a home, turn on taps in kitchens and bathrooms to assess the strength and consistency of the water pressure. Also check for how long it takes for hot water to arrive. Low pressure, discoloured water, or a long delay in hot water flow might suggest plumbing inefficiencies, leaks, or ageing systems. Don’t forget to inspect the area around water tanks and under sinks for dampness or signs of previous leakage, which could point to more extensive plumbing concerns.
Parking availability
Look out for clearly designated parking spaces, especially in apartment complexes or homes without private driveways. Consider the number of vehicles you own, guest parking availability, and local parking restrictions. Scarce or inconvenient parking can lead to daily hassles and may even impact the property’s resale potential.
Terrace or rooftop accessÂ
If the property advertises a terrace or rooftop area, check how easy and legal the access is. Make sure the surface is structurally sound, has proper railing for safety, and shows no signs of leakage or poor drainage. A well-maintained terrace not only adds usable outdoor space but also reflects the general upkeep of the property.
Lifts/elevator functionality
In multi-storey buildings, always check the condition and operation of lifts. Observe how smoothly and quietly they run, and inspect the lift’s permit or inspection certificate if visible. Frequent malfunctions or outdated equipment may not only pose inconvenience but also add to maintenance costs.
Senior citizen and disabled-friendly features
If accessibility is a consideration, check for features such as ramped entrances, wide doorways, non-slip flooring and bathroom grab rails. Step-free entry and accessible layouts make a home more inclusive and add long-term value, especially for elderly residents or those with mobility challenges.
Pest infestationÂ
Watch out for tell-tale signs of pests, such as droppings, gnaw marks, or a musty smell in corners, basements, or attic spaces. Termite damage can often be found in wooden skirting or beams, while cockroach or rodent activity may be spotted under sinks or in kitchen cabinets. It is wise to ask about any recent pest control treatments or known infestations.
Security systems
Inspect the main doors and windows for sturdy locks and check whether there are any additional security installations like CCTV cameras, intercom systems, or burglar alarms. Homes with even basic security features in place offer added peace of mind and might qualify for lower home insurance premiums.
Seismic protection and structural safety
Especially in earthquake-prone areas, inquire if the property includes any seismic safety features such as bolted foundations or structural retrofits. Also inspect walls and ceilings for deep cracks or misaligned frames, which could indicate underlying structural shifts. Ensuring a home’s resilience to natural hazards protects both your investment and personal safety.
Housing.com POV
Home tours go beyond merely checking the size and quality of the property. To make the most of the first look of your potential home, it is important to use it to detect underlying structural issues and hassles that might prove to be a source of major inconvenience in the long run. This checklist makes sure that you don’t skip looking out for such issues whose presence might evade your eyes otherwise.
FAQs
How can I tell if a home has hidden water damage?
Stains or discolouration on ceilings, near baseboards and around windows, soft wood under sinks, musty smells and mould growth and indicative of water damage.
Why should I check the windows during a home tour?
Windows have an effect on energy efficiency, noise levels and overall comfort of the space. It is also important to check for their smooth operation, condensation between panes and wood rot.
Why are small cracks in walls or ceilings a red flag?
While hairline cracks can be caused due to usual settling, larger horizontal cracks near doors or windows might suggest deeper foundation issues.
How can I detect problems with electrical connections without opening walls?
Test all the outlets with a phone charger, check the electrical panel for signs of age or clutter, and switch on the fixtures to detect unusual flickering or buzzing sounds.
Should I worry about smells during a tour?
Overly strong fragrances might be an attempt to mask smoke, pet odours or mould. Also look out for persistent musty odours.
How do I evaluate if the storage space would be enough?
Check all the closets and cabinets by opening the doors and imagine the placement of your belongings there. While many homes appear spacious, they might lack storage for seasonal items.
Why should I check neighbourhood conditions during a home tour?
Driving or walking around to evaluate upkeep, noise, traffic patterns and general curb appeal helps gauge the property’s long-term value and livability.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
