Viewing a property is one of the major steps in the property buying process. When you’ve got your heart set on a property, taking a quick look around and making sure you like what you see is essential. For many reasons, a property viewing can reveal what a house or a seller is really like, and if you’re in the right place or not.

Whether you’re thinking about investing in property for financial gain, or you’re trying to afford a dream home of your own, there are a few key things to keep an eye out for. After all, you’re going to potentially be spending a lot of money, and you don’t want to part with any cash until you’re sure you’ve got the right house on your hands. Here are the most common warning signs to keep in mind.

Signs of Damp

There are many signs of damp in a home, and if you spot any of them in the property you’re viewing, you’ll at least need to ask about it. What does damp look like? Look for patches of discolored walls and ceilings, from both the bottom and the top of the wall.

These are otherwise known as rising damp and penetrating damp, respectively. Paying to repair for these could be very expensive, as it could be due to issues in the foundation or the roof. Trying to replace either of these parts of a house could cost upwards of $15,000.

Faulty Central Heating

A faulty central heating system is a big deal, and something you should definitely not ignore. Check for radiators, as well as AC ports and ventilation systems – an older property is unlikely to have any of these, and that means the entire property can quickly become a health violation.

Why? Because any kind of faults in the central heating or HVAC system can cause health issues, and can very quickly turn into a HVAC Repair job as soon as you agree to buy the house. That might not be something you’ve got room for in your budget right now, even as an in depth and worthy job, so make sure you’re aware of the air quality in the home you’re viewing.

Bad Electronics

Bad electronics are a very clear sign that something is wrong, or outdated, in your home. Look for signs of visible aging in any lighting fixtures or sockets around the walls and ceilings, as it’s the first sign that your future home’s wiring isn’t up to code. At the same time, look out for the amount of electrical outlets in the home, if you’re viewing an older place – are there enough of them for your needs?

Viewing a property is a good way to determine if your future home has any problems, both minor and integral. Make sure you keep an eye out for the signs above, and be sure to listen to your gut about the property you’re viewing – if it says it’s bad, leave!