Home buying checklist

Don’t be afraid to examine the house you’re buying closely. Make notes, use a pair of binoculars to get a closer look at the roof and chimneys, and ask permission to take photos. Start with this checklist of key questions:

Is the building listed or in a Conservation Area?

Is there evidence of unauthorised alterations or additions?

Are there abundant original features? Is there a garage or off-street parking?

Are extensions or additions well designed?

Is there mains gas or is energy from oil or LPG?

Is there mains water and drainage? Are there outbuildings? If so, do they have water and electricity?

Are there garden walls, railings, fences or hedges? If so, who is responsible for them?

Have traditional building techniques and materials been used for any previous repairs?

What records have been kept of repairs and maintenance?

Is there evidence that maintenance has been neglected?

Have solar panels or other energy generation systems been installed? Has there ever been subsidence or heave? Is there a history of the house being flooded? Have the present owners had problems getting building insurance? Are bats or birds present within the structure? Are there signs of asbestos? For example, insulation on pipes or sheet roofing materials.

Do overhead power or telephone lines cross the property?

Outside

Has the roof recently been repaired or the covering replaced?

Are roof tiles or slates missing? Is the house thatched? If so when was it last re-thatched?

Are there flat roofs? If so, is there evidence of any damage or pooling water? Does the guttering and other rainwater goods look ok? It’s always worth visiting at least once when it’s raining to check for potential problems.

When was the last time the house was redecorated externally?

Were appropriate paints used on previous decorations?

Have hard cement renders and pointing been used that may be trapping moisture?

Are there any inappropriate windows or doors?

Is rot evident in timber work?

Try gently prodding with a key or blunt screwdriver.

Have quick fixes been used such as spray foams and mastics?

Are there obvious bulges to the walls or cracks?

Is there good access for skips, builders’ trucks and material deliveries?

Inside

Are there signs of damp? This may be indicated by damp patches, mould or a musty smell.

Has plasterboard been used to line the walls? It may be covering up problems.

Do the floors feel bouncy? This may indicate structural issues. Is there central heating and what fuel does it use? When was the heating system installed and the boiler renewed?

Are there fireplaces and, if so, are they usable?

Is there cracking, especially around window and door openings? This may indicate structural problems. Is the loft well insulated?

Do the windows have secondary or double glazing?

Are there other energy-efficiency measures?

When was the house last rewired? Has the house been replumbed? Is there lead pipework?

Do the windows and doors open and close easily? Broken sash cords can indicate a lack of maintenance.