Know how much you can really afford to offer. To prevent any disappointments.

Once you have find the right home, have it checked by a professional building inspector, if possible be at the inspection so that any concern you have may be discuss.

Here are a list of do it yourself inspection-

Inside the house

· Check that all the floors are level and that there are no gaps between the floor and skirting boards.

· Jump lightly on wood floorboards to assess their stability.

· Look for signs of rising damp, including rotting, mould on the walls or ceiling and musty odours.

· Check the walls and ceiling for cracks. Fresh paint or wall paper may be hiding problem area.

· Assess whether doors and windows are square. Jamming may structural subsidence.

· Make sure all light switches work. Also check each power point by using a tester. (These are inexpensive and can be purchased from hardware and electrical stores.)

· Test the water pressure in both hot and cold taps.

· Partially fill in the bath or sink and observe the drainage of the water. Sluggish flow could indicate damaged or blocked sewer drains.

Outside the house

· Inspect fences and gates for stability and rot

· If there are large trees near the house, check the root system of the tree, as it can cause structural subsidence if they are close to the home.

· Check that the land's water runoff drains away from the house.

· Inspect all outside walls. Are they straight, cracked or rotten?

· Make sure there is adequate sub-floor ventilation.

· Check the condition of the eaves and gutters.

· Make sure the roof-line is straight and that there are no broken tiles.

· Check the stumps for subsidence, rot borer or termite.


(Getting a professional building inspection might help put your mind at ease if you feel uncomfortable inspecting the above list.)