Have you been checking out open homes around Sydney lately? If you’re ready to buy a Sydney home there are a few things to look out for in your walk through. Many of the following warning signs would get picked up by a qualified inspector’s property report, but if you can spot them first you can save time and money by moving on to a more appealing home.
Termite Activity
Existing termite damage in a home is usually a big no-no in going through with a sale, unless you’re willing to invest a lot of repair work and follow-up treatments.
One of the quickest ways to hide termite damage is with a fresh coat of paint.
If you notice rooms or areas with new paint, it’s possible there’s some concealed, though repaired, termite or mould damage beneath.
While a building and pest inspection will reveal this, if you can be aware before booking an inspection you can consider looking elsewhere right from the start.
Denying Access
The point of an open house is to let you see what it’s like inside, and get an idea of the condition of the home.
If there are areas that have been locked off, such as manholes, the laundry, or subfloor spaces, it could be that the owner is trying to hide some structural issues.
Some people do just like their privacy, even when they’re trying to sell, so don’t take this as a sign that you should turn away.
Just make sure you ask the real estate agent to ensure access to these areas is available when you book a building and pest inspection. If we can’t access the whole house, we can’t give you a fully comprehensive report.
Dampness
When a home has a dampness issue, such as leaks, mould or dry rot, you will often notice a musty, mildew type smell.
These smells can be hidden with air fresheners, as well as homely touches like freshly brewed coffee or baking bread.
Building inspectors will test the moisture levels of the home to catch problems that may be masked by these smells.
Small Spaces
There are many techniques home sellers use to make a room appear larger and more spacious than it really is.
Bright light and mirrors can give the impression of a larger space, as can removing furniture or replacing it with smaller, less functional pieces.
Make sure you look at the actual square metres of the room, rather than just relying on your perceived space.
Noise & Light
Poor natural lighting can make a big difference for a home, along with any noise issues you may experience in the area.
Remember to open the blinds to see how much natural light the home gets, and open the windows to listen for traffic, noisy neighbours, planes or trains.
If you’re serious about the house it’s also advisable to come back at different times of the day. Open house times are usually planned outside of peak traffic times, so you don’t notice any busy, major roads.
If you’ve checked all of the above and you’re still interested, talk to us about doing a building and pest inspection. This way you’ll have an experienced professional checking for things like pest infestations and damage, structural issues, moisture problems, and more.
Call a local inspector on 1300 337 447, or simply book online today.
