Buying a property is a huge step in life – chances are that this will be your largest purchase to the point, which is exactly why being careful is the name of the game! Do not refrain from being nit-picky; there is a whole lot that needs checking on a property before signing the papers – you don’t want to regret it somewhere down the line. With this in mind, we’ve outlined some key things that need checking before making the transaction.

1. Location

It might be the most gorgeous piece of real estate that you’ve ever set your eyes upon, but keep in mind that a bad neighbourhood is simply not worth it. This includes the location of key elements that might be of your interest, such as cafés, shops, parks, petrol stations, etc. You’ll also want to make sure that there are many transport options available nearby, unless you’re planning on never leaving the premises. Liveability is also more than worth paying attention to; this includes proximity to various services that you might need, from fire and police stations and hospitals/clinics, to pet shops and parking garages.

1. Noise

Noise pollution can turn out a huge issue, especially if you’re not used to the urban lifestyle. Keep an eye out for train and metro tracks in proximity, unless you’re perfectly capable of sleeping trough trains rumbling past your new home. Schools and kindergartens are without a doubt a preferable choice if you have kids, as well as in terms of safety, but if this is not the case, these can really turn out detrimental for your peace of mind. Nightclubs can also be a huge liveability issue, so this is yet another thing to keep an eye on. Inspecting the target property at different times of day is the best way to make sure that your new living area is calm and quiet.

1. Plumbing and wiring

There is a reason why these usually go hand-in-hand – both are going through walls, floors and ceilings. When it comes to plumbing, you should be wary of corroded, damaged and old pipes (made of outdated materials like lead). In terms of electricity, keep an eye out for fire damage near outlets and other signs, seeing as how this is a clear sign of faulty wiring. This part of a home inspection is best done by hiring professionals to thoroughly check both the wiring and plumbing in your home-to-be – it is a legitimately valid investment!

1. Doors, locks and windows

Once you’ve bought a property, it is yours and the previous homeowners have nothing to do with it any longer. Now, it is most likely that you won’t be moving in instantly, so you should thoroughly check all the entrances and promptly address old doors and unsecure windows and change the locks. Don’t refrain from hiring a professional locksmith in Parramatta, if you live in this popular suburb in Sydney – no matter what you think of your new home’s old residents, it is always better to be safe than sorry and change those locks.

1. Check for mould

Mould in bathrooms and/or bedrooms is more than an unpleasant sight – it can cause various health complications. This is why you should look for dirty clouds on walls and ceilings and ask the current residents to have the house professionally cleaned by a mould remediation company.
Additionally, you can even hire professionals by yourself – think about it, there is the question of the initial cause of mould occurrence.

We hope that these advices will help you make the most out of your home-to-be. As already mentioned, no one can judge you about being nit-picky when making a purchase this large. Keep the location and potential noise sources in mind, check the plumbing, wiring, doors, locks and windows, but don’t forget to address potential mould in bathrooms and bedrooms!