When it comes to buying your first home, it can be easy to fall into the trap of just being concerned about the inside of your property. Yes, your new house may have a big living room space, shiny countertops in the kitchen, but what is its garden like?
Whether you’re a keen gardener or not, you should consider the outside environment of your home and the impact that it can have on your overall living experience. With this in mind, it is important to make sure that you perform the right landscape checks before accepting the keys to your new home. What are these checks, might you ask? Have a read of them below…
Note which direction your garden is facing?
If sunlight is what you’re after, then the direction that your garden faces is an important thing to consider. A south-facing garden is bound to attract optimum levels of sunlight, while a north-facing garden will see very limited levels of sun. So, if you love to preserve your plants and flowers, then a south-facing garden is what you should look out for.
Is your garden secure?
Security and privacy should be at the top of your priorities when it comes to picking that dream home. However, this isn’t just about having plenty of locks and surveillance cameras – your garden should be sealed off to outsiders as well. Speaking of this, check whether you have any fields or paths directly next to your garden and whether these can attract trespassers.
Is your garden the right size?
As the hotter months start to arrive, there is nothing like enjoying the weather from the comfort of your own garden. Whether you’re hosting a barbeque or simply want to relax and read your favourite book out in the sun, you’ll want a decent sized garden to bring in those summer vibes. As well as this, if you want to make as much room as possible for your plants and home-grown vegetables, then choosing a home with a large garden would be a good idea.
Does your garden have a stream?
If your desired property has a stream running through its garden, then you should certainly check whether there is any risk of flooding. Similarly, it is important to know that streams can attract rodents. With these points in mind, make sure that any nearby stream isn’t too close to the house.
Check the soil type
Now, this is something that all gardeners should take note of. If you are going to devote a lot of time to grow your own plants and vegetables, then it would certainly be wise to check the soil type in your garden. However, you don’t always have to rely on soil – you could, for example, stick to planters and pots or create your own troughs.
Check whether any damage has been done to nearby trees
Believe it or not, damage to any nearby trees can cause damage to your actual property. When it comes to tree damage, there are three types of harm that you should look out for:
- Structural damage – this is caused by roots in shrinking clay soils.
- Drain damage – this is caused by roots entering and blocking drains.
- More general types of damage – branches can cause damage to roofs and guttering while expanding roots can have the power to lift paving, sheds and garages.
Considering the implications of these damages, it would never hurt to enquire about the condition of the trees that are near to the home you wish to purchase. As well as this, before you cut a damaged tree down, it is always best to consult your decision with a professional. This is because cutting the tree down may cause the ground to crack and cause subsidence.
And there you have it – our roundup of the top outdoor checks to perform before buying a house. The process of buying your first home can be stressful, but luckily you can get the best help from first-time buyer solicitors. ET Law is a leading property solicitor based in Manchester and this firm has experienced specialists who can ensure a smooth transaction for you.