10 Red Flags to Look For When Viewing a House

The Importance Of Knowing What To Look For When Viewing A House

Getting into the housing, or even the rental market in recent years is as tough as it has ever been. If you have overcome the colossal financial barriers to becoming a first-time buyer you’ve already come so far. But unfortunately, the work doesnt stop here. Your next hurdle is finding out exactly what to look for when viewing a house before you buy. 

Ensuring the quality and safety of new homes has always been essential. But recent reports on housing issues have made it even more so. There has been a rise in the number of problems new buyers have experienced, particularly with newly built properties. And in recent years, these have developed to pose serious financial and safety concerns for new and first-time buyers in the UK.

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Nearly 2 in every 3 homeowners have encountered significant problems with the quality of new builds, and a staggering 25% have faced over 16 issues.* 

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Of course, you can not be expected to instantly be an expert on red flags to look for when buying a house. However, it is this lack of knowledge that makes first-time buyers susceptible to missing things that indicate serious future issues with a property. Something like rising damp or subsidence can make a home completely uninhabitable, or cost hundreds of thousands to properly rectify. So catching these before you invest is essential to avoid massive payouts or lost value on a house where you have already invested so much. 

The bright side is that our home insurance experts from Quotezone.co.uk have researched ten essential things to look for when viewing a house. This property viewing checklist flags the most threatening and expensive red flags. These warning signs can indicate that a property has been poorly constructed or has hidden threats which might end up costing you a fortune. This list gives you valuable insight into these issues and what to be aware of when viewing a house. 

Why are property red flags so common nowadays?

The national new homes customer satisfaction survey reported that a quarter of new build homeowners had issues with their properties.* Buy why is this number so high, and how can you avoid being a victim as a new buyer?

Quality concerns when it comes to new build homes have been chalked up to a combination of factors within the building industry. One of the root causes contributing to the influx of housing issues is the push to increase the number of houses being built. This demand, particularly in housing developments, has caused ongoing problems for new homeowners in houses that you would usually expect to be issue free. The desire for profit and speed may be compromising the quality of these developments, leading to a higher incidence of defects. 

The key issues contributing to the rise of issues in properties include:

1. Expectations of a quick turnaround on new builds 

New housing developments often come with stricter deadlines. Many of these homes are being sold before the build is complete which can lead to added pressure to wrap up a build. As buyers sell their previous houses or end leases with the expectation of moving into their new homes, there is more at stake when it comes to meeting deadlines. All this pressure and urgency can lead to cut corners, and hasty finishing on the home.

2. High cost of quality materials

Unfortunately building materials have not escaped rising prices. As a result, changes are often made to ensure profitability. Cheaper materials can be substituted to help stay within the budget of a build. 

3. Enforcement of building regulations

There is a concern with the level of enforcement and compliance with existing building regulations. Inspectors are often chosen by developers themselves which presents an obvious conflict of interest. This could be impacting the adequacy of the inspections performed.

4. Struggle to find quality tradespeople

Statistics show that 63% of the UK’s trade businesses experienced a workforce shortage in 2023.** This puts more pressure on those hiring in construction as they have fewer options when choosing who to employ, and may even have to proceed while understaffed. 

However, property red flags are not exclusive to new builds. The effects of time, exposure, and sub-standard building work or maintenance of older builds can also raise issues for homeowners. And if you are not aware of the things to look for when viewing a house that is on the older side, you could be looking at a mountain of unexpected costs in the long run. 

From hastily installed fixtures to subpar materials, the consequences of rushed construction can raise their head in a seemingly endless number of ways. This is why it is so crucial for buyers to exercise caution and conduct thorough inspections for red flags when buying a house. This can help you dodge the building bullets that can cause financial and often health, or safety damages. 

Quotezone’s House Viewing Checklist 

These 10 warning signs are your top priority when considering what to look for when viewing a house for the first time. With these, you can confidently identify and question a potential red flag. This is essential to get the information you need to make informed buying decisions and avoid underlying issues that could cause problems in the future. 

1. Cracks

Look for: 

• Diagonal or jagged cracks in the walls
• Cracks around windows and doors
• Extensive cracking in paint and wallpaper 
• Cracks over 15mm wide

Why look for cracks at a house viewing?

Some minor cracks can occur as a house ‘settles’ after being built. However extensive cracks over 15mm*** are considered ‘serious’ cracks and could be a sign of subsidence. Subsidence is when the ground a house is built on sinks so the foundations are pulled down, causing walls and floors to shift and crack. This destabilises the property and can ultimately lead to collapse. 

2. Odours 

Look for odours that can indicate:

• Damp
• Sewage issues
• Water damage
• Pests
• Chemical contaminations

Why check for odours at a house viewing?

While evidence of common issues like rising damp can be covered up with a quick coat of paint before a viewing, the smell is not so easily hidden. The stale, musty smell of mould is something to question if it is present. This could reveal issues like solid walls without a cavity for insulation, which is a time-consuming and expensive fix if issues arise. 

Other strong odours could signify sewage or drainage issues, water damage, or leaks. Less familiar smells could indicate pest infestations or something as severe as chemical contamination.

3. Woodworm 

Look for:

• Tiny round holes in wood or wood furniture about 1-3mm wide
• Tiny piles of dust lying around or on wooden furniture 
• Crumbling woodwork that reveals tunnelling or tracks through the wood

Why look for woodworm at a house viewing?

It is easy to underestimate these tiny pests, but the threat of woodworm can go far beyond ruining some old furniture. Woodworm larvae feed on wood, burrowing and weakening the wood as they go. This can cause issues if they get into the structural wood of your house, like floor joists or roof rafters. Despite their size, woodworm can cause serious structural problems over time and are expensive to treat.

4. Uneven floors

Look for:

• Gaps under skirting boards
• Loose or cracking flooring boards
• You can bring a spirit level if necessary

Why look for uneven floors at a house viewing?

If you spot uneven flooring it is worth asking about. If you’re lucky the previous owner might just have fitted the floor themselves in a bid to save some money. However, uneven floors could indicate a number of more serious and expensive issues. These could include structural damage, subsidence, or poor original construction or refurbishments made to the house.

5. Trees

Look for:

• The proximity of trees to the house
• Things weakening nearby trees like physical damage, fungus, or rot
• Dead trees nearby
• Roots lifting near the home
• Disruptive species like oak, willow or poplar

Why check for trees at a house viewing?

Trees can cause all kinds of issues in a home. The threat of nearby trees falling on and damaging a house is a serious one. Their roots can also cause subsidence and structural damage, as well as blocked drains and lifted paving. Knowing how to identify problem tree species can be worth it as a small sapling that seems harmless at first can cause issues later down the line as it grows and expands. 

6. Windows and doors

Look for:

• Ill-fitting windows and doors
• Noticeable gaps between the frame and wall
• Water damage around the areas
• Foggy window panes
• Sticking doors or windows

Why check windows and doors at a house viewing?

Poorly fitted windows and doors are a common issue found in new builds. These can let in water, cause damp, and lead to serious energy bills as heat is lost from the house. They can also compromise the security of your home, its belongings and residents.

7. Japanese knotweed 

Identifying Japanese knotweed is not as straightforward as the previous home red flags. It will depend on the age of the plant and the season you are viewing the house in. Here’s how to spot Japanese knotweed no matter when you catch it:

Why look for Japanese knotweed at a house viewing?

Japanese knotweed is so notoriously damaging to buildings, you can be prosecuted for causing it to spread in the wild in the UK. And there are full government guidelines on how to get rid of it. If left untreated, this invasive plant can grow through walls, piping and even flooring to chip away at the structural integrity of a home. They are extremely difficult to get rid of once established and so can lead to a severe devaluation of homes. 

8. Crime mapping

You can evaluate the safety of the area by:

• Researching local crime rates or disputes
• Consulting insurance costs
• Visiting the area at night and at weekends – Check for streetlights, antisocial behaviour, and noise levels.
• Speak to locals and neighbours

Why research crime rates in an area?

When it comes to research, UK police resources can give you information on crimes reported in an area over time. The Office of National Statistics also offers a comprehensive list of resources and reliable research on specific crimes, demographics and geographic areas. For more localised issues it could be worth checking local news sources. 

Living in a high crime area will also affect insurance costs as insurers have access to this information and use it to set premiums on home and car insurance. If the cost of insuring a car or home insurance in this area is higher it could indicate high crime and claim rates in the area. It is also a good idea to check insurance costs as this is an expense you will soon face if you go ahead and purchase the property. 

9. Asbestos

Asbestos is a trickier one to check for. However, being informed is your best bet, so:

• Find out if the house was built before or after 1999 – Asbestos was banned in the UK in November of this year. 
• Ask if the house has been tested for asbestos – Asbestos has to be declared to you if known, but if the seller is unaware that could be a red flag.
• Speak to other people in the building or area – Houses are often built around the same time using similar materials.

Why ask about asbestos at a house viewing?

A house containing asbestos can still be sold, but the seller must declare it to you by law if it is known to them. This is why it is essential to ask about asbestos in the home, particularly if it was built between 1930 and 1980, when asbestos was widely used. Ultimately, getting a professional inspection may be the answer to dealing with the worry of asbestos. This can give you peace of mind that you are not compromising your health, or suffering a potential decrease in the value of your home.

10. Flooding

Resources for researching the flood risks around the house you are viewing will vary depending on the country it is in. Official and government resources include:

• Scotland – Scottish Environment Protection Agency
• Northern Ireland – NI Direct
• Wales – Natural Resources Wales
• England – GOV.UK

Why research flood risk in an area?

The implications of living in a high flood-risk area are obvious in terms of potential damage to your home. But this could also mean that you will struggle to find home insurance for the property as fewer insurers will want to cover such a high risk.

How Housing Red Flags Can Affect Your Insurance Costs

The cost of your home and car insurance are both set by insurance companies based on the risks that you present to them as an insurer. They will consider various risk indicators, and each insurer will assign its own importance and weight to different indicators. This is why comparing quotes from a range of insurers is so important to find the best price. However, if you invest in a home that has the above red flags this could be bad news for your insurance premiums. 

Home insurance advice from our Quotezone comparison experts:

Greg Wilson, Our founder and CEO here at Quotezone.co.uk says: “Purchasing a house is a huge milestone, but first-time buyers must be careful their dream home doesn’t turn into a nightmare.

“Although most new builds should come with a 10-year warranty, this will only cover issues caused by a developer. So, it is still vital to get home insurance for extra protection from the date of exchanged contracts. 

On the flaws that result from the house’s construction, Greg says: “Most home insurance policies will cover subsidence, but there can be exclusions. If the issue is a result of construction or flaws in the building process you may not be covered and could be left with a devalued or uninhabitable property. 

“Your first home is a big commitment and viewings can be a daunting experience but if you’re aware of these potential issues beforehand, you’ll know what to be wary of and look out for warning signs before you get caught up in the bidding process.”

If you are looking for cheaper home insurance, or just interested in what your insurance will look like for a particular property, Quotezone.co.uk can help. We help millions of users every year find savings on insurance by matching them with our expert panel of UK insurers. Get a personalised quote in minutes at Quotezone.co.uk. 

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References:
*https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-7665/CBP-7665.pdf
**https://www.ratedpeople.com/blog/home-improvement-trends-report-2023-building-dream-careers
***https://abdrylining.com/cracks-in-walls/

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This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.