Happy house hunting! Our top tips will help you get organised

THE property market has altered a lot in the past few years and the process of buying a house has also changed. You might have bought a property in Scotland before, but if it was prior to the introduction of Home Reports in late 2008, the process will be different. Finding a new home can be nerve-wracking and complicated, but that feeling you will get when the keys are in your hand is worth it. And you don’t have to take your journey toward home ownership alone – our advertisers are here to provide professional advice and assistance, and our top tips will help you get organised. Happy hunting!

BE PREPARED

There may be many people after the same property, so you have to be ready to act quickly and to have the money at hand. There are many buyers in the market, so you need all the strong points in your favour that would help you stand out from the rest. Research online and view only what you want. In order to make the choice simple and easier, browse houses online or at local property agents, and make a specific list that only includes the properties that you would be interested in buying. Then visit the houses with the intention of buying. This will help you make a better choice as you will be already prepared to buy. Keep in contact with your agent. Your estate agent is your friend. You need to keep in contact with them so that they can provide you with information about any and every new house that is on the market, which meets your specifications of a dream house. Also, you might need the help of more than one agent in this case, since you need speedy information in the tough competition. They will help you make the best choice with what you have. Thinking of selling your house while you look for a new one? Buying a house before selling yours gives you the advantage of having a clear head while looking around, as you are not rushed into buying one, and you can therefore make a better choice. Just remember, there is the problem that if you buy a house that you get a great deal on, and you wait for the current house to sell, you will be paying two mortgages at the same time. This problem will not occur if your mortgage is paid off but, if it is not, you would certainly struggle with paying two mortgages at the same time. In addition, you would get a harder time qualifying for a new mortgage due to the fact that you will have a higher debt to income ratio.

ARCHITECTS

Although the temptation to do as much on your own as possible is admirable, this can often be a risky business that is devastating in the long run. Instead, for a traditional timber frame custom build, we recommend hiring an architect to ensure you get the most out of your project. An architect will ensure that you are in compliance with all statutory obligations such as planning permission, party wall agreements and building regulations. Furthermore, the architect can also help control costs during the design and specification stages of the project to make sure you are getting the most out of your budget. And, because they are required to hold professional indemnity insurance, if there is anything in the design work that causes problems later down the line, you will be protected.

SURVEYORS

Once you have found a property to buy, you will probably need to employ a chartered surveyor to check the struc- tural condition of the building. Your mortgage provider may conduct its own valuation of the property, but most people want the reassurance of their own dedicated structural survey on the property they wish to buy. Before you choose a surveyor, make sure you know which kind of survey you need. Depending on the type and age of the home you are buying, you may need a Homebuyer’s Report or a Full Building Survey. It is best if the surveyor has a good knowledge of the local area and, if you are buying a very particular type of property, such as a listed building or a very unusual construction, it pays to source a surveyor that specialises in such properties. Look for one that belongs to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

PLUMBERS

Hiring a plumber is an important decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. After all, they are responsible for installing and repairing some of the most important parts of your home. Make sure to get at least three estimates, and be wary of any estimate that is much lower than the others. It could mean the plumber is cutting corners or plans to use inferior parts. Ask the plumber how long he or she has been in business – it’s a good sign if the company has been in business for several years because it often means it has a proven track record of quality work. Plumbers who have been in business any length of time can give you references. If they cannot, or will not, then consider looking elsewhere. They should also be insured and a member of a trade association such as Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation.

JOINERS

When you interview potential joiners, you will want to ask them specific questions – have they undertaken work similar to yours, do they hold a qualification in carpentry, such as an NVQ or City and Guilds, and how long has the business been trading? Carpenters or joiners may be registered with a number of trade organisations, such as the Institute of Carpenters (IOC), or the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), the Guild of Master Craftsmen or the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Be clear about the work that will be carried out before it starts. Get at least three quotes for any carpentry and joinery job, large or small. Try to get quotes that can be easily compared and make sure they include any ‘hidden’ costs such as waste disposal or car parking charges. Check that your prospective carpenters have insurance that covers them for any damage inadvertently caused to your property.

ELECTRICIANS

When choosing an electrician, it’s important that you use one registered with one of the government-approved schemes to do any electrical installation work that you need. Registered electricians work to the UK national safety standard (BS 7671) and will give you a safety certificate to confirm that their work has been designed, inspected and tested in line with that standard. Start by checking that the individual is qualified and whether they choose to be a registered member of one of the government-approved schemes. Choosing a registered electrician means you will get additional protections should something go wrong. Don’t feel pressured to make a decision quickly – you need time to seek advice and check references before you contract them to do work for you. The Citizens’ Advice Bureau and Trading Standards will be able to give advice if you want to dispute their work.