Buying a home off plan

Unless you have a very expensive taste in cars, your house is almost certainly the largest purchase that can never be done. Even when buying a home in the conventional way, it is surprising how some details of the absorption potential buyers during his pre-purchase displays. Many people find annoying idiosyncrasies of property only after they have moved in.

This strange behavior is magnified to its end when the purchase is made outside the plan.

To interpret drawings and elevations plan is easy with a little thought and practice. To form an accurate perception of space using only these drawings is a rare skill. Accordingly, the finish is likely that the property seems less than had been imagined. The show-show-house or apartment is your most useful tool in the assessment of reality. If the plan is to show exactly what your potential purchase, things are much easier. If your property is different from the show flat not afraid to spend time working through differences, with a tape measure if necessary, until you're satisfied, you can view your property.

The show flat will be your best friend if you know how to use it. Visit as soon as possible in the process of construction:

Examine in detail all the finishes - the same people who have completed the plans show the property is finished. Carefully consider all edges and joins, especially between wood floors against the skirting, wooden floor against the tiles, tiles and wood or against the carpet. Check all the paintings substantive coverage and smooth finish.

Use appliances - Sit on the toilet to see if the correct height. If it is to measure and note the measurement. If not, find out how to change the specification in their property. Try the kitchen hood and exhaust fans in bathrooms. Åre that quiet, are they powerful enough?

Look carefully at the furniture have been installed - The developers brief to the designer of the plans are very likely to "maximize the apparent space and light." This may give you some tips for a new style that fits perfectly their new home. But if you are bringing your own furniture along, not be distracted. Be honest with you about how big your furniture. Measure and draw in the land in the plan that has given you. That way you avoid unpleasant surprises.

Check the quality of the carpet - this is probably the choice of rugs available to you. It is also a favorite in the area where development costs are reduced. Buy all the same color as slashing the cost, especially if the color is a sale that is not well in the carpet warehouse. You will not get a discount by the rejection of the carpet, but the selection and purchase of your own is guaranteed to improve the finished interior.

Look at the structural details - Pay special attention to the windows. Ask open, ask how they work and how to block. Ask where to get replacement keys (the builders have lost them all for the day you move in). Check the type and style of curtains and blinds installed. There is an alarming trend among the new constructs to allow the slightest gap between the wall at the top of the window and the roof. We have seen it disappear into nothingness when the plasterer has a little bulk to achieve a maximum level. This problem is sometimes aggravated by the use of windows that open inwards. The ease (and therefore expenditure on) the installation of window treatments is very important, especially in the typical modern development you will almost certainly be overlooked by other properties.

Once you're satisfied with the developers' expertise and you are sure that there is no structural accidents and return to haunt you, you can buy off-plan property. But before you sign make sure there are no unreasonable restrictions on his visit to the site. You'll have to visit at least twice a week.

The builders and tradesmen who work in development are often very good at what they do. The problem is that off. Always reach the same point in each building, do the same work in various units of the same basic design and development for the next stop. The plumber who installed the bathroom is very unlikely to go into the tiles and probably never set foot in a fully completed development. After awhile, in search of a quiet life, you discard the plumber.

We saw an apartment that had two bathrooms. The bathroom in one room was a full fifteen centimeters taller than the other (enough for my feet dangle above the floor). The plumbing installation must have noticed this, but decided by the time they were discovered to be someone else's problem. The tiler should have noticed this, but decided the plumber is the culprit and it was nothing to do with it. Manager of quality control must have noticed, but this might be necessary to put more law demolition. It is left up to the buyer in his last spotted walking out before the signing of the works.

The only way to break this cycle of lethargy is to visit site on a regular basis. Ask questions, do check the measurements, make suggestions, and make sure your building is that the Quality Manager pays special attention to because he knows he does not settle for second best.

As soon as it is safe to do so to test everything. Turn on all taps and run for ten or fifteen minutes. Check all exposed pipes for leaks and if you can access the rooms to check for low ceilings. Fill the tub to check the overflow works. Then drain the bath to ensure it is fast and efficient. Run the shower and heating for a decent period. Check the continuity of pressure and leakage, especially in the case of showers in the rooms above.

Regular visits during construction will solve the main problems. The next thing to worry about is the last to surrender fouling. Most developers have a dedicated team of snaggers (this is why the person who installed the bathroom never know who see him again). Develop your own list with a detailed description of the fault and a detailed description of the corrective measures that will make you happy.

When making your final inspection, it is important not to rush it. Try to do it alone, without the representation of developers of breathing in your neck. Use your sense of touch and eye, especially for painting and pottery. By making a visual inspection of large areas of high or feature is useful to shine a flashlight on you're looking for (even days). This forces you to slow down and pay more attention to detail. Insist that you have access to engage in the light of day and night. Painting is much easier to inspect under artificial light, especially the glossy finish and eggshells.

Grip-filled mastic or weapons are standard among all manufacturers. When applied correctly the putty is a useful and attractive finish define and corners and edges, especially in areas of tile. Too often applies largely to untidily and vacuum all surfaces finished poorly. We have seen so often in new builds we have coined a name for this substance - "Botcho fixed!"

If you regularly visit your site should have the opportunity to inspect all joints before the walk-Fix Botcho Jeans in. You may consider banning Botcho fixed and employ an independent trader, the application of seals final after signing in property.

The last problem we face is a condensation. Many years ago it was standard practice to allow a new building on foot for one year to allow the paste to dry completely. Today, high-profit market dismisses this courtesy. The result is condensation dripping on the windows for several weeks after having moved in Leaving interior doors and windows open whenever possible help, but in a positive manner to prevent possible water damage, a portable humidifier is essential.