First Time Buyer House Viewing Checklist

When viewing a house for the first time, it is super important to be as impartial as possible. Even if you fall in love with the property on the surface, there may be some less obvious flaws that need to be uncovered. You can use this first time buyer house viewing checklist to help you stay objective and view the house in a realistic light. 

During a house viewing, it is important that you check all of the rooms, including storage areas. You should also remember to inspect the exterior of the property, including brickwork, guttering and roof tiles. Make sure you look very closely, as some damage can be easily disguised with paint.

This house viewing checklist has been divided room by room to make it easier for you to tick everything off while viewing a property:

Kitchen Viewing Checklist

In many ways, the kitchen is the space in a house that has the most room for problems to develop – and you really don’t want to settle for a deficient cooking area. Therefore, it is crucial that you take proper note of the kitchen fixtures, counters and design as a whole to make sure it suits you and your needs.

Here are some of the things you should look for when viewing the kitchen:  

• Are the fitted cupboards in good condition? 
• Are the taps and drains functioning?
• Are the built-in kitchen appliances working? E.g. oven and extractor fan
• Is there any sign of damp or mould under the sink?
• Is there enough storage space?
• Is there space for a dining table and chairs?
• Is there space for a fridge/freezer?
  
  

Living Room Viewing Checklist

Given that you’ll probably be spending a significant amount of your time in the living room, it is important that you check it thoroughly. Remember that you can redecorate and change the room to fit your own tastes after moving in, but there are some more practical things you should inspect. 

Here’s what to look for when viewing the living room: 

• How much light does the room get?
• Do all the light switches work?
• Is the wall behind sofas and counters clean and smooth?
• Is there a fireplace and is it functioning?
• Are there enough radiators and wall plugs?
• Are the carpets in good condition?
• Is there plenty of storage?
• Are there any cracks in the wall?
  
  

Bedroom Viewing Checklist

Again, you are likely to redecorate the bedrooms to fit your personal tastes and style, but it is worth concentrating on the practical details, such as the size and quality of the rooms. 

Here’s what to look for when viewing the bedrooms:

• What size bed would fit?
• Is there a built-in wardrobe?
• Is there ample storage?
• Is the carpet and wallpaper in good condition?
• Are the rooms well-ventilated?
• Is there any sign of mould or mildew?
• Is it big enough?
• Are there enough plug sockets?
• What type of windows are there?
  
  

Bathroom Viewing Checklist

Bathrooms are a crucial part of any house, but you might find that they are often neglected in terms of renovation. A poorly maintained bathroom can lead to all kinds of problems so it is important to conduct in-depth checks when viewing a house. 

Here’s what you should check when viewing the bathroom:

• Is it sufficiently ventilated?
• Do all hot water taps work?
• Are there any signs of mould or mildew?
• Is the silicon sealant still water tight?
• Is there a bath or a shower?
• Are there any signs of rot around the bath or shower?
• What is the water pressure like?
• Does the toilet flush work?
• Is there a shaver socket?
  
  

Garden Viewing Checklist

If the house you’re viewing has a garden, then there are a few things you should check to make sure you can make the most of this space. 

Here’s what to look for when viewing the garden:

• Is there a front or back garden, or both?
• Is the garden private or shared?
• Where are the garden boundaries?
• Is it south-facing?
• How much effort will the garden take to maintain?
• Is the garden overlooked by neighbours?
• Is there a shed or outbuilding?
• Do hedges overhang pavements or roads?
• Are there any plants that could damage the building
  
  

If you’re purchasing a house by yourself, it’s always a good idea to take someone with you for a second opinion or moral support. They might spot things you’d miss and help you remain objective throughout the house viewing process.