5 Things to look out for when purchasing a new home…

You’re starting to look at open homes and theres a couple that are really ticking all the boxes, but what do you need to look out for?

You should always do your due dilligence and pay a professional to complete a pre-purchase property inspection. However, before you even get to that stage, there are a few things that you can look for when viewing a home.

Here are our 5 tips for things to look out for when viewing or purchasing a new home before you get in too deep!

1. Check the property for cracking both internally and externally. You may notice cracking in the ceilings or on the walls. Light cracking is normal for older homes however thick, frequent cracking can be a sign of movement or moisture damage. You should also check the outside of the property for cracking especially in the foundations. If buying in Canterbury, you want to make sure that any earthquake repairs to the foundation have been completed.

2. Check the exterior ground clearances - Insufficient clearance to the finished outside ground levels can result in deterioration of building materials or an increased risk of water entry. Ground clearances can be a major issue during heavy rains or flooding. Sometimes gardens or lawn have also been built up too high and risk water ingress into the property. If you think it doesn’t look right, ask your building inspector to check the clearance levels upon inspection. Check out this link for more information https://www.branz.co.nz/pubs/bulletins/bu570/

3. Check the hot water cylinder & water pressure - What is the capacity and what is the age of the cylinder? Also check around the hot water cylinder for any signs of leaking. If it’s older, you may need to budget to get it replaced.

4. Check for mould and draughts. These are two very important things to check for - we all want a warm, dry home. Can you spot any mould on the walls? Be sure to check window sills and behind curtains. Showers are often an area that we find is problematic due to incorrect installation. You might notice mould or water damage around a the floor. You should also check for gaps around doors and windows - are they all functioning correctly?

5. Ask the real estate agent for any maintenance schedules or pick your building inspectors brain about maintenance. For example, particular types of roofing require yearly cleaning and maintenance. Some types of cladding require re-sealing every few years. It’s important to know what maintenance is required and working this into your budget.

Additionally, if you are looking at exisiting property in Christchurch, we always recommend that you review the Earthquake repair documentation thoroughly. You may also want to have the properties floor levels checked to ensure they fall within the MBIE guidelines.

All of the things we’ve mentioned above are fixable. However, when you are buying a home, it’s important to consider what needs to be done and whether this work falls into your budget. Being prepared for maintenance and remedial work is far better than buying surprised once the purchase has gone though!

Are you ready to buy your dream home? 

Here are 3 ways in which we can help you…

1. If you’re buying a home with a renovation in mind or in need a repair work, then make a time for a non-obligatory chat with us. We’ll listen to your description and talk to you about how we can help. Send us an email directly or contact us through our website

2. If you would like us to book a pre-purchase property inspection for you, please contact us through email. We can organise an inspector on your behalf and have a report to you within 48 hours.

3. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more tips and guides for your home