What flaws should I look for when inspecting a new shared house?
When inspecting a shared house, look for major red flags like damp/mould, pests, structural cracks, and faulty electrics/plumbing, along with issues affecting daily life such as poor heating (old boiler), insufficient storage, noisy areas, and the condition of shared appliances/furniture, ensuring clear privacy, security, and cleanliness standards are met for harmonious living.
I. Structural & Safety Issues (Big Red Flags)
1. Damp & Mould: Peeling wallpaper, musty smells, black spots on walls/ceilings, especially in corners or near windows.
2. Pests: Droppings, gnaw marks, or signs of insects (cockroaches, silverfish) or rodents.
3. Structural: Large cracks in walls/ceilings (especially horizontal), sagging floors, or sticking doors/windows.
4. Roof/Exterior: Look for damaged roof tiles, blocked gutters, or crumbling brickwork.
1. Security: Check locks on doors/windows, and ask about overall building security.
II. Utilities & Services
1. Electrics: Test light switches, check for enough sockets, and note if wiring/fuse box looks ancient.
2. Plumbing: Check water pressure in sinks/showers, test hot water, and look for leaks under sinks.
3. Heating (HVAC): How old is the boiler? Does it provide hot water and heat efficiently?.
4. Alarms: Confirm working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
III. Livability & Shared Spaces
1. Cleanliness: Assess general hygiene and cleanliness in common areas (kitchen, bathroom).
2. Storage: Enough cupboard/wardrobe space for your belongings in your room and shared kitchen/bathroom?.
3. Light & Noise: How much natural light? Is it noisy from traffic or neighbours?.
4. Furniture/Appliances: Condition of beds, sofas, washing machine, fridge in common areas.
5. Privacy: How much privacy do you get from street/neighbours in your room?.
IV. Key Questions to Ask
1. “How old is the boiler?”.
2. “Who handles maintenance/repairs?”.
3. “What’s the Wi-Fi situation?” (If not clear).
4. “How are bills handled?” (Shared or separate?).
Pro-Tip: Take photos/videos and note everything down during your viewing to compare with reality later.
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Disclaimer: AI responses may include Mistakes. Learn more…
