When you’re viewing a new property with an eye to buy, excitement can easily get the better of you. One of the most common pieces of advice for those on the property market is not to fall in love too easily, as a home that ticks many of your boxes can put blinders on you that stop you from seeing the full picture. It’s not always easy to follow that advice, but it is important to know some red flags that should get your defences up so that you can address them properly.

Doors And Windows That Stick

If the doors or windows in the home stick, jam, or don’t close properly, that might be more than just a minor inconvenience. In some cases, it might be down to wear and tear or poor installation, but even then, you might have to factor in the need for a window replacement, which is a high cost. Even worse, however, is when it’s caused by structural movement beneath the property. This is more likely if it’s not just one window or door that doesn’t cooperate. Changes in the building’s frame can cause misalignment, which means doors and windows don’t fit as they’re supposed to.

Cracks in Walls And Ceilings

Pay close attention to any cracks you spot in the home. Some small hairline cracks might not be a big issue, as they can be caused by all manner of things, including plaster settling, and can be fully solved by plastering over them. However, larger or widening cracks, or diagonal cracks that come up from the floor or surround windows and doors, could be a structural problem, meaning that you might have to shell out for subsidence repair costs. When it comes to anything that could be related to the foundation of the home, it’s always wise to arrange for a survey before you proceed. Identifying the issue now can save you the heartache of being left without support should those issues become more prevalent later.

Signs Of Damp

Damp is a common issue in many homes, but if it seems particularly prevalent in some spaces, you should address the source. Keep an eye out for warning signs for musty smells, peeling paint, mould patches, and discoloured walls or ceilings, especially in corners, behind furniture, or around windows, as these are the spots most prone to them. There are a range of potential causes, such as leaking pipes in the plumbing, water through the roof, poor ventilation in the most affected rooms, or a lack of good drainage around the home. Some of these problems are a lot more expensive to repair than others, so it’s important to get a clear idea of which is the case and what steps you should take to address it.

If you spot any of the issues above, then a property inspection might be necessary to get the full extent of the issue. From there, you might be able to negotiate repairs with the buyer or lower the price of the home if you’re open to tackling it yourself.