4 Property Checks Every Buyer Should Make Before Renovating Their New Home

Buying a new home is an exhilarating journey, filled with dreams of cosy evenings by the fireplace, vibrant family gatherings in the spacious kitchen, and the endless possibilities for interior decor that matches your personal style.

The excitement of owning a new home often leads people to envision their ideal living spaces even before they’ve unpacked their moving boxes. It’s natural to be eager to dive headfirst into decorating and making a new house feel like home. However, as tempting as it may be to unleash your creative flair, it’s essential to exercise patience and prudence.  

Before you start picking out paint colors or shopping for furniture, there’s a crucial step that often gets overlooked in the enthusiasm of homeownership – conducting a series of thorough property checks.  

While you’ve probably already had a Homebuyer Report before you bought your new home, this document only includes certain information, mainly a valuation of the property and guidance on any issues that could be expensive to fix.  

The main point of this report is to make sure that you’re not paying more than you should be for the property, and that you’re aware of any major structural issues. However, it doesn’t give you a complete picture, and there are still plenty of checks that you should undertake as soon as you take possession of your new home.  

Some of these checks you can do yourself, while others might require professional support. Keep reading to see the reviews we recommend you make before you get overexcited and start decorating your new home.  

An Electrical Safety Check 

Having a professional review your wiring and electrical system before you start your renovations is crucial, as they can help you to understand what state the wiring is in, and if any major repairs need to be made. These issues can then be fixed promptly, to ensure the safety of the occupants of the house and allow you to move on to the fun part of renovating your home: the aesthetics and decoration! While a property might already have an EICR, working with experts like the team at Hexo Electrical Testing can help you to find out how long does an EICR last for and, in your specific case, if it’s time for a new one. You can then rest assured that your wiring is fit for purpose and your property is safe.  

Inspect The Foundations  

The foundation of your new home is like the bedrock of your dreams. Ensuring its stability and integrity is paramount because any issues with the foundation can lead to a host of structural problems down the line. It’s possible to inspect the foundations of your home yourself initially, and you only need to get a professional involved if you notice anything you’re unsure of or think could be potentially dangerous. Begin by examining the exterior walls of the home for visible cracks, bulges, or shifts. While small hairline cracks may not be cause for alarm, larger or diagonal cracks could indicate serious foundation issues. Be sure to check the interior walls and floors as well, as these can provide clues to potential problems. While you’re doing this you can assess whether the home has settled evenly. If you notice uneven floors or walls, it might suggest the foundation is settling or shifting. Additionally, examine the grading around the property. Ideally, the ground should slope away from the foundation to prevent water from pooling near it. 

Look At The Roof And Gutter 

Another check you can do yourself, and should do as soon as you get the keys is to check the roof and guttering. After all, your home’s roof and gutter system are its first line of defence against the elements. A well-maintained roof not only protects your investment but also contributes to the overall comfort and energy efficiency of your home. Examine the roof’s surface for any missing, damaged, or curled shingles. Check for moss or algae growth, which can indicate moisture issues. If your home has a flat roof, inspect for cracks or blisters in the roofing membrane. For a comprehensive evaluation of the roof’s condition, it’s wise to hire a roofing contractor or inspector. They can identify hidden issues and provide recommendations for maintenance, repairs, or replacement if necessary. 

Review Any Environmental Hazards And Toxic Substances  

Most homebuyers will have already had checks made on the presence of asbestos, lead paint, mould, or radon gas. These hazards can pose health risks and may require professional removal, but some of them can occur at any time and might appear after your homebuyer’s inspection was made, especially if you had to deal with a lengthy process before you bought your property. As such, before you move in properly and start making renovations, you should look out for issues like damp, which leads to mould and other issues. It’s also worth being extra careful if you’re unsure about the presence of asbestos and other hazardous substances in your property. If the property was misrepresented during the sale, and you have to spend a lot of money and effort removing toxic substances, then you could seek legal advice to get some compensation from the former owner, but this might take time. To begin with, get professional advice on any substances you’re unsure of so that you, your contractors and family can all stay safe.  

It might take time, but being thorough and checking your property can pay dividends in the long run. Conducting these property checks and seeking professional guidance will enable you to make informed decisions when renovating your new home and avoid unexpected costs and issues down the road.