What to look for in your tree change
Moving from the city to the country is a big step so you need to know what you want in a home and land for that matter. What are you willing to compromise on, what must it have? Allot of people get confused when looking at houses with me because i say no to houses that are, to them, exactly the same as the ones i said yes too. But there are usually key differences. Its not about aesthetics, its about the bones. Can I renovate to fix that ugly kitchen or are there support walls and a bathroom on either side of it? Is there enough land to extend or is it up against a boundary fence? For me the key points are:
- Is the foundation and walls sound and free of faults? This includes asbestos, termites and possible sink holes formed by water leakage.
- Is there the option to change the layout inside by removing walls? If the bathroom is small can it be made bigger or are there rooms on each side?
- the outlook. Does the house face a logical direction, are there windows in key rooms such as the kitchen and dinning room?
- The roof. Is it sagging, rusted or look to have to be replaced? This has been a deal breaker for allot of homes which have ceiling panels rather than plaster, i don't have confidence about whats on the other side.
- Fireplace. If there is already a fireplace in a logical position this is a big selling point. A built in brick one is even better. Fireplaces can be costly to install and can be a fire hazard if not done properly.
- Land, is there enough land to fit a double garage (if not already there) as well as a small market garden? Being able to keep chickens, sell produce and have enough room for a kids playspace is a huge selling point as it means I can make a living off the land. I can change the house, I cant make more land.
- Proximity to the road. Is the house hard up the front of the block or set back? Front yards are a waste of space but there needs to be some form of buffer from the road so people aren't looking in on you.
- I am really put off by toilets and showers in the laundry room. I have no idea why people do this as now its not a laundry or a bathroom but a kind of nothing space you feel odd using for either purpose. Why would you do laundry in the toilet, or pee in the laundry room...
- On the bathroom topic, no wet rooms. I have no idea why you would put a wall across half your bathroom and just shower in the middle of the floor.
