Finding a new place to stay is not an easy affair. You need to take note of the location and accessibility of the place, the size of the home, as well as the price of the home. Whether you are looking to buy or rent a place, it involves a lot of considerations.
Once you have narrowed down your choice of homes, it is advisable to conduct some final checks to ensure that the home you will be moving in to is in good condition. While you may think that any problems can be fixed later on, it will cost you more to have them treated using your own money. If any issues are spotted before you move in, you can request the landlord or seller to resolve them for you or give you a lower quote on the home.
With that said, here are the most crucial points to check in a home before you agree to move in:
Plumbing
When inspecting the home, you should take a look at the taps and pipes in the home. Turn on the taps to check for leaks, and observe for the water pressure. Do the same for the showers and any other faucets in the home. Give the toilets a flush as well, to ensure that they are working well. If there are any anomalies in the water system of the home, it is best to hire a plumber to give the home’s system a thorough check.
Pests
You need to check for signs if the apartment has been affected by pests such as cockroaches, rats, bed bugs, termites, and so on. You can detect signs of them through their droppings, typically around the kitchen, under the sink, and inside the cupboards.
If the apartment comes with furniture, you should also check that the mattress and beddings are not infested with bed bugs. Look for signs like droppings and eggshells on bed bug-prone areas like in the crevices of the bed frame and sofa. If there are signs of any pests in your home, your friendly pest control company can provide you solutions such as bed bug control services and termite treatment to eliminate the pests.
Cleanliness
Not only should you inspect the interior of the home for its upkeeping, but you should also observe the surrounding areas of the home for cleanliness. It is no use if the home itself is kept clean, but the neighbourhood is filthy. Pests and contaminants can still get into the home from outside, and it will not be a slightly environment to live in. Thus, you should take a look at the prime areas around the home, such as the main garbage disposable area, the lift landings, stairwells, void decks, lawns, and so on.
Electrical issues
On your final checks, you should test that all the power outlets in the home are working. Bring along an electrical appliance that you know works fine, and test it with all the sockets. You should also ensure that the wirings are all done up properly, with wires all insulated and covered.
Try and meet the Neighbours
A few weeks before you move in, you may want to visit the area a few times and get to know the people living in the estate. By striking up a conversation with them, you can glean more information about the neighbourhood, such as what it’s like living there, and whether any pertinent issues are plaguing the estate. This way, you can get a better idea of what to expect once you move in.
This checklist will help you ensure that your new place will be in excellent condition for you to move in. Use these tips to save on costly repairs later on, and let yourself enjoy a smooth process of settling into your new home.