When it’s cold and grey, viewing a property is probably the last thing you want to do but it’s actually a great time to see a property and its true self. There are lots of details that you might not notice in the summer – how warm does it feel in the winter, are there draughts, any damp patches? Energy efficiency and insulation can come to the foreground and you can test out what’s marketing fluff and what’s reality. So what should you look out for when you’re viewing a property in winter.
Heating and Insulation
This is a big one and probably the most obvious difference you’ll notice in colder months is how warm (or not as the case may be) a house feels. As soon as you walk in, notice how it feels, as the chances are, the heating will have been on a while in preparation. Does the heat feel even throughout the house and in rooms? Anywhere that feels a bit colder might indicate insulation issues.
Make sure you’re asking about the boiler, servicing etc and keep an eye out for smart controls that can give more data.
Windows and Draughts
Check for draughts in each room you view. Standing near the windows and doors and putting the feelers out for a chill is a good idea, as well as looking for any condensation. If there’s double or triple glazing then that’s great and can help to limit noise, cold and bill expenditure
A property might be older and have sash windows, which can look lovely but lead to maintenance issues further down the line if rotting or flaking.
Damp and Mould
Damp is a really frustrating issue in a property and the winter time is the best for spotting it. Take a look at the ceilings, wall corners and skirting boards to see if there are any signs of damp. It’s worth checking in a cellar if there is one too as this won’t have natural light or ventilation, leading to dark patches and mustiness.
Natural Light
Yes, it’s nice to see how light a property is in the summer, but equally as important in the UK is seeing how much natural light there is for the dark and shorter days. It can have a big impact on wellbeing, so take notice of how bright rooms feel on a dull day and whether the south facing windows let lots of light in, so you can plan how you’d use certain rooms.
Roofs, Gutters and Garden Drainage
Keep an eye on guttering and the roof so you can assess if there’s likely to be any looming structural issues on the horizon. Are there any loose tiles, sagging gutters or overflowing downpipes? Leaves, ice and rain over the winter can cause issues.
A really muddy or waterlogged garden can indicate bad drainage so ask questions about this too.
Atmosphere
When it’s dark and cold, a house can come into its own in terms of cosiness, so how does the property feel? Is it warm, cosy and inviting for guests. It’s a good time to visualise how you’ll feel on a normal grey day in a property.
Winter viewings might not be glamorous but they are very practical and good times to gather data about a potential property. Hidden issues can be exposed and get given you a good sense of what it’s like to live in on a normal day.
For any more tips and advice on property viewings, get in touch with our team at Home EA today.
