Buying a new apartment is exciting. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first home or you’re moving from one apartment to another. A new apartment is an opportunity to reinvent yourself, meet new people, and open up new adventures.
But, before you commit to any purchase its essential to check the following 5 things.
1. Structural Defects
If you’re getting a mortgage then the mortgage company should request a building survey. However, this is generally to confirm the valuation of your apartment, it will pick up obvious defects but nothing else.
To ensure you’re properly prepared and protected it’s essential you have a more detailed building survey done, including dye penetrant testing which will highlight any structural issues and deviations. This will help you to renegotiate the price, change your mind, or be financially and mentally prepared for the work that needs doing.
2. Electrics
Rewiring an apartment isn’t just expensive, it’s also invasive. Removing electric cables and adding new ones to existing walls is a messy process. You’ll be living in a building site and be clearing up dust for weeks afterward.
Having the electrics inspected before you move in will help to ensure they are all working properly. This won’t just give you peace of mind and save you money, it can also reduce the likelihood of an electrical fire starting.
3. Heating & Ventilation
Your apartment should have a heating and ventilation system fitted. While you may assume that these are working correctly you should have them tested and checked. Do this even if the seller assures you that they are okay.
Diagnosing faults in these systems can be difficult and time-consuming. That means it will cost you and, during that period, you may have limited heat or cooling facilities. That’s not how you want to start living in your apartment.
4. Internet & Cell
We live in a digital world where everything is interconnected. Whether you need the internet for work or not you’ll definitely want it to connect to others and research items.
While it may seem peculiar there are still places that don’t get an internet connection or cell signal. IF this is important to you then check it before you buy it.
This isn’t something you’ll be able to easily change after you’ve moved in.
5. Pests
Pests can be a nuisance and they can also be detrimental to your health. There are many different types of pests that can invade an apartment, from termites to rodents.
Ideally, the apartment and the building will have a regular pest inspection by a local firm like Bribie Island pest control, if you live within the area. This will help to ensure any issues are dealt with promptly.
Before you move in verify that there is a pest control policy in place and have your apartment checked for pests. You don’t want to spend your first night in your new home-sharing a bed with a rat.
With a few simple precautions, you can move in confidently, knowing that you have found a great apartment to live in!
