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Channel 4 property expert Phil Spencer has issued a warning to anyone currently doing house or flat vieweings. Urging people to be on the look out, he says not to “fall for the decor” and instead go through his checklist to ensure it stands up to scrutiny.
Best known for Location, Location, Location with Kirstie Allsopp, Phil is also founder of Move iQ, a property advice website. The expert notes you always need to assess whether or not previous homeowners are covering things up.
He suggested: “Start with damp and mould. So check your ceilings corners and skirting boards. Does it look like anything might have been painted to cover any water damage? Just have a bit of an eye out for that.”
Phil’s warning to people buying a flat or house
In another warning, he urged people to look out for “structural issues such as cracks in the walls”. He added: “I always think if you can fit a 10p coin in one it might be serious. It doesn’t necessarily mean it is serious but it’s certainly something to be thinking about.”
He urged people to not forget to test the water pressure. “If you can and it’s not rude, turn on the taps. Is it a decent flow for energy efficiency?” he asks.
“I think it’s worth looking beyond the EPC rating so you can do it yourself” he said, urging people to “check the windows, check the doors” You should also question whether or not the window seals are tight or if you feel a draft.
Potential owners should also “take note of light fittings plug sockets” such as how many there are, where they are located and whether or not it will work for your needs.
If you’re specifically viewing a flat, look outside. Phil suggested: “When you’re viewing a flat, very much check out the communal areas. What are they like? Are they tidy?
“Are they well looked-after and cared for? Listen for a noise from neighbours. Try to visit at different times and take your time. I really do mean that. It’s a big decision and you don’t want to do in a hurry. Your dream home should feel good. It should stand up to scrutiny”, he concluded.
Moving home tips from a property expert
On his Move iQ website, he urged people to pack a box which has all your must-needs in it. This includes things like toothbrushes and chargers. You can also pack other items like tea, coffee and other daily essentials. If you do this, he suggsts that these should be packed last so they can be unpacked first.
To make things easier, each household member should have an essentials box or bag with their must-have items readily accessible. In another tip, he urged people to never overfill boxes. He warned: “This is absolutely crucial, irrelevant of whether you’re using a removals company or doing the move on your own. Boxes which are too heavy will become a hazard to anyone that carries them. The last thing you want is a visit to A&E on moving day.
“You might have heard some moving house ‘horror story’, where things might have gone wrong on moving day. But boxes that are too heavy create the possibility of them being dropped, valuables being broken or frantic last minute repacking.
“It’s a good idea to ensure your boxes aren’t heavier than about 15kg, though some removals companies will sometimes specify a maximum weight limit. By this, we don’t mean having a scale at hand to weigh every box you pack.
“Once you’ve finished with a box, give it a lift and determine whether you think someone would be able to carry this up and down a flight of stairs. If the answer is no, it might be worth thinking about doing a bit of reorganising your boxes to spread the load.”
