The vital checks to make before you buy your new home

27 July 2023

If you’re looking to buy a new house or flat, it’s important to make sure the building – including its structure, plumbing and electrics – is safe and sound. Here are the most important things to check.

Buying a new home is one of the most stressful and exciting things you can do. To avoid any nasty surprises, it’s wise to carry out thorough checks to ensure the property is fit for habitation. Identifying any issues early will help you decide whether to back out of the sale or negotiate a price that will enable you to cover the repairs.

In the early stages of deciding whether to buy, there are a few visual checks you can do yourself when viewing the property, but once the buying process progresses, there are many essential checks that have to be carried out by professionals.

Let’s start with the simple checks you can do yourself to get a feel for any potential issues.

External checks:

Check the roof for any missing or damaged tiles – these may indicate existing damp problems or could lead to leaks and further damage. Significant cracks in foundations and walls could be a sign of structural instability, so look for these and for signs of damp. If the property has guttering, make sure it’s clear of debris and works properly. Look at the windows and doors to confirm they’re correctly installed and fit into their frames without any gaps. The seals should be intact, to keep out drafts and damp. If it has a garden, check this too. Overgrown trees can damage the foundations or the roof – and Japanese knotweed can be disastrous for a property.

2. Internal checks:

Inside, check for cracks, especially around the doors and windows. As with external cracks, these could be a sign of structural issues. Examine the ceilings and walls for damp patches, as these may point to a leaking roof or plumbing issues. If the property has a basement or attic, make sure they’re dry and free from pests. Check the condition of the switches, sockets, and light fixtures. Do they operate correctly, or are there signs of damage? Check the windows and doors fit their frames with no gaps and that they open and close easily. Floors should be level; sloping or bouncing floors may indicate a problem with the foundations or floor supports.

3. Plumbing checks:

Check all visible pipes for leaks or signs of corrosion. Check the water pressure in showers and taps and look for any signs of water damage. Turn the taps on: is the water clear and free from unusual smells or tastes? Make sure the toilets flush properly, and that the sinks and bathtubs drain correctly.

The above checks will give you some valuable insights, but if you want to progress further and buy the property, you’ll need expert checks:

Homebuyer’s Report or Building Survey: A Homebuyer’s Report is a detailed inspection report that gives the low-down on the property’s condition, highlighting any significant defects or issues. A Building Survey provides a more comprehensive assessment and is suitable for properties that are older or larger. Both these reports can help you understand the property’s condition in more detail and identify any need for costly repairs or maintenance.
Local Authority Search: This search involves contacting the local council to get information about the property and its surroundings. It will reveal planning permissions, building control history, conservation area status, and any other factors that could impact the property’s value or future development.
Environmental Search: An environmental search checks for potential contamination issues, flooding risks, ground stability, and other environmental factors that could affect the property’s desirability and value.
Flood Risk Assessment: If the property is in an area prone to flooding, a flood risk assessment will provide vital information about the likelihood of flooding and potential consequences.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): The EPC rates the property’s energy efficiency and provides recommendations on how to improve it. This can give you an idea of potential heating and energy costs.
Title Deeds and Land Registry Search: These documents confirm the legal ownership of the property and reveal any potential legal issues or restrictions on the property.
Chancel Repair Liability Search: This search checks whether the property is liable to contribute to the repair of the local church’s chancel. This is a historic liability that could have financial implications.
Home Insurance Validation: Before purchasing, it’s wise to check if the property’s construction and location align with insurance requirements. Some properties may be more expensive to insure or face higher premiums due to specific risks.
Structural Survey: If you have concerns about the property’s structure, a structural survey conducted by a qualified engineer or surveyor can provide a detailed assessment of the building’s stability.
Gas Safety Check: It’s vital to ensure that the property’s gas installations and appliances have been inspected and certified as safe by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Faulty gas systems can lead to leaks and, potentially, carbon monoxide poisoning. The inspector will evaluate the condition of all gas appliances, such as the oven, hob, and heating system. They will also check for gas leaks in the pipelines.
Electrical Safety Check: It’s essential to make sure that the property’s electrical system meets safety standards – and that’s where an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) comes in. The inspector will check the condition of the wiring, the circuit breaker, and the grounding system in the property. They can also assess whether the system can support the household’s electrical load.
Plumbing: A comprehensive plumbing inspection can save you a lot of future headaches and expensive repairs. A professional plumber will be able to give you a detailed evaluation of the property’s plumbing system.
Drainage and Sewerage Report: This report will identify the property’s drainage system and whether it connects to public sewers or private systems.

Need an expert? At ADS we can offer full electrical and gas checks, and carry out any electrical, gas or building work that’s needed once problems have been identified. Get in touch today to find out more.