What to Consider When Choosing a Home
Whether you are buying or renting, searching for a new property can be a challenge, although richly rewarding if you get it right.To find a property that ticks all your boxes is often a process that cannot be rushed and may involve a great deal of careful planning and patience. From the budget to the location and running costs of your future home there are several things that you need to consider. Here are some of the important ones:
Budget
Of course this is high on the list. If you are doing your own initial internet searches you may choose to have a look both above and below your budget. Above in case there are any properties showing features that you might be able to add at a later date. Below just in case you are lucky enough to find a bargain. However, before you go to a property agent to arrange any viewings it is important that you let them know your budget + keep your own mental buffer allowance for any additional costs that may be incurred.
Location
The locations you wish to move to might be governed by your preference for inner city or countryside dwelling. Your home may need to be close to a school or within easy reach of a good road network, especially if you regularly travel to airports or into Bangkok. Are you happy with close proximity to neighbours or do you need space around you?
It is a good idea to visit the neighbourhood you are looking to move to at different times of the day to really get a feel for activity in the area. Also, ask anyone who you know who already lives there what it is like. Or visit social media forums to get a feel for the area.
Outdoor Space
If access to good quality outdoor space is important to you and you are looking for a house, one of the key selling features will be the size, quality, and shape of the garden. Consider the amount of time you wish to spend in your new garden and how much upkeep it will require compared to how much you are realistically willing to put into it.Are you happy to employ the regular services of a gardener or pool cleaner? You can ask the seller if there is one already available and what they charge.
If you are choosing to rent, a garden may not be necessary, but you should then explore the communal areas where you will be living, swimming pool, gym, laundry etc.. Also consider the size of any balconies to see if they have room for outside furniture, plants, even astro turf that you may wish to use to give you your own sense of outdoor space. .
Bedrooms and
Bathrooms
The number of bedrooms and bathrooms you require in your home will depend on how many people will be living in the property, and how often you intend to have guests over to stay. The size of the rooms is also important. Do you want a master bedroom that is larger than the others, or are you happy with a few smaller rooms? It is important to decide how you are going to work with the space and make your furniture fit if you are choosing an unfurnished property. .
Storage Space
Never neglect the importance of cupboards! The amount of storage space on offer is something that often gets overlooked when searching for a property, but it is of vital importance. Without sufficient storage you run the risk of not being able to keep your home as clean, tidy and spacious looking as you would like. If buying a property which doesn’t come equipped with built-in wardrobes remember that you can add these later. Likewise if there are existing cupboards, for example in the kitchen, which are looking tired and worn, you can have these renovated.
Electrical and Plumbing Quality
So you have visited a property that feels like your dream home – it is a great size, in a perfect location, but what could be worse than moving in to discover that the electrical wiring or plumbing is not up to standard? Remember to inspect the light fixtures and switches especially if it is an older building.- do they look yellow and dated? Are there air conditioning units in all rooms – again do they look yellow rather than white? This may not be a deal breaker in that you can always replace ACs with modern ones but remember to calculate this into your cost. Also if renting ask the landlord how recently they have been serviced and are the servicing costs down to them or you during your tenancy?
Faulty plumbing may be trickier to spot but you can try turning on taps, and checking that all cupboards and sinks are dry. Also that there are no sign of discolouration on the wall or ceiling, paintwork which could be the result of a burst pipe or leakage.