Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/624751
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 10 JANUARY 2016 II Property & Construction BUYING any property, whether it's your first home or your fourth, a new office space or a base for your business, is a huge decision. Property is a good investment but bad decisions can seriously impact how much return that investment will give you down the line. Viewing a property is an impor- tant part of making your decision and is in itself a very exciting and fun part of the process. Still, one must approach a property view- ing with a critical eye, looking out for potential trouble spots as well as the property's potential. Here are some things to keep in mind when you view real estate. View the property multiple times Even in a fast-moving market, it's a bad idea to buy without looking at a property more than once - the more times you view a house, the more likely you are to spot potential problems. Viewing the property two to three times, at different times of day, will let you see firsthand how the light, traffic and surrounding noises change. You might just discover that the quiet, idyllic street you saw at 11am is a busy main commuter route at 6pm. Investigate the neighbourhood Spend at least half an hour walking around the general area to see how close the things that matter to you, such as cafes, schools, transport links or local shops, are. If the property doesn't come with a parking spot or garage, take a look at the park- ing situation in the vicinity of the property. Also revisit at rush hour and when the bars close, and on weekends and weekdays. Look at the structure of the building Make sure you walk around the house to check the exterior. Look for damp and hairline cracks in the walls and the condition of the waterproofing on the roof and other outdoor spaces. If you find signs of a problem, ask questions to find out what the cause is and whether it will be fixed. Use all your senses Keeping an eye out for prob- lems is all well and good but be aware of other signs too. Be wary of unusual smells. Damp can give off a musty smell even if you don't see physical signs. Listen out for things that might cause trouble down the line – a musician next door, a mechanic on the same street and even loud plumbing. Not all these things can be dealbreakers but you should know about them. Which way does the house face? In winter, during a cloudy day or at night, it is difficult to tell the difference between a north- and south-facing house or garden – but in summer it can make the difference between a home that is full of light and warmth, and one that is frustratingly dark. Your favourite plants might notice too, and protest by dying. Don't be shy about taking a compass with you to the viewing – you might already have one on your phone. Take a friend A fresh pair of eyes is always helpful in spotting what you may have missed. Take along some- one you trust who is not involved in the purchase – a good friend or relative who will give you their honest opinion – so you can get a clear-eyed perspective on the property. Keep an eye on the market The property market can fluctu- ate drastically over the years and while you may not be thinking about selling right now, it's good to keep in mind how popular the area currently is and how popular it is likely to become. Have a chat with your real estate agent, take a look at growing businesses in the area and keep an eye on prices of similar properties nearby. Test the plumbing and electrics Do the electric points appear to be in good condition? Or do they have cracked faceplates or exposed wiring? If the circuitry has been connected, try the light switches to see if they work. Also check out the fuse board – often an indica- tion of the state of the wiring. Does it look old and outdated? Open a couple of taps and showers – is the water pres- sure good? Is the water clear? Dirty water might be a sign of old and rusted pipes, which will need to be replaced. Check your phone It's a minor inconvenience but one you'll have to live with a long time. Check the reception on your phone in all the rooms in the property. If you're viewing with someone else on a different network, ask them to check theirs too. GREEN BUILDING PRODUCTS Operational Programme I - Cohesion Policy 2007-2013 Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life Project part-financed by the European Union European Regional Devleopment Fund (ERDF) Co-financing rate: 85% EU funds; 15% National Funds Investing in your future GREEN BUILDING PRODUCTS The Building Industry Consultative Council (BICC) is launching a new Website directory promoting Green Building Technologies (Products & Services) All interested suppliers are invited to register their companies and products on www.ecobuild.gov.mt For further information and assistance they may also make contact on ecobuild@gov.mt or call on 22479300 NEW WEBSITE DIRECTORY Building Industry Consultative Council What to look for when you're looking Keep an eye (and nose) out for signs of damp, which can be difficult and expensive to remedy Apartment living presents specific challenges such as close proximity to neighbours, a slew of condominium conditions and upkeep for common areas Abysmal signal on your phone is a minor inconvenience in the grand scheme of things but it is one you'll have to live with long-term