Buying Property For Dummies
Page 27
Garage
The number of cars/bikes/jet skis you own, or intend to own, will determine the suitability of the garage (if the property comes with one). When looking at parking options, keep the following in mind:
Parking that comes with apartment blocks: In this situation, the parking is usually shared, and the options will be allocated parks, or first-in, first-serve. If you’re lucky, there might also be a storage cage for all those odds and ends, like the fake Christmas tree and the bicycle that you really must start using more often . . . Check the security and lighting in this shared space.
Parking that comes with houses or units: In a stand-alone property, the parking options might include a covered garage or a driveway. If the property includes a covered garage, check how secure it is and whether it provides internal access. In some older properties, the covered garages are quite narrow, so check whether the car you have will fit, along with everything else you’d like to keep locked up and under cover. If the only parking option is the driveway, check how many cars it’s possible to fit.
No parking at all: If on-street parking is the only option, check the parking regulations in the area — you might need a permit to park outside your home, which is an additional annual cost.
Backyard or Balcony
Having a backyard is part of the Great Australian Dream, right? If the property you’re considering has a backyard (or a balcony), work your way through this checklist of features:
Barbeque: Another quintessential Australian feature — the barbie. If there isn’t a plumbed-in gas pipe attached to the house, then you’ve got a bit of freedom to move your BBQ around the backyard. Check what options are available. If you’re looking at cooking on a balcony, make sure that it is well ventilated.
Fences: Whether you’ve got pets or children, it’s essential to have the backyard fenced to stop runaways. Check the condition of the fence and find out how old it is. If the property has a balcony, ensure that railings are sufficient and secure.
Lighting and power points: To enjoy long summer evenings out in the backyard, you’ll need some lights outside the house, or an easily accessible power point to set up some temporary lighting. After all, how else are you going to string up fairy lights at Christmas?
Maintenance requirements: Do you dream of creating a backyard escape and being surrounded by trees and plants, or do you prefer low-maintenance decking or pavers? Check whether enough space is available, and whether you’re happy with the level of maintenance required.
Somewhere to sit: Does the property come with a deck or paved area to put some outdoor furniture? Or, at least, a flat bit of grass?
Washing line: Having a washing line will save you hundreds of dollars — sunlight is free, and dryers cost money to purchase and operate. If a washing line is already provided, check that it’s not only unobtrusive but also positioned to catch good sunlight — north facing is ideal. If a washing line isn’t already set up, check that there’s somewhere you could install one.
Street Appeal
Everyone knows that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, and the same goes for a house. But when you’re making such a large purchase, it’s natural to want to make sure everything is perfect, inside and out. Here are some ideas of what to look for when you’re approaching (or leaving) the open home inspection:
Facade: First impressions count, and in the case of a house or apartment block, it’s the facade that creates this impression. Is the paint fresh or starting to peel? Is the colour scheme a bit dated? If the house has wooden cladding, check it’s not showing signs of rot.
Landscaping: Is the front yard a jungle of overgrown weeds? If you’ve got green thumbs, a challenging garden project may be exciting for you. But if you’re a novice with plants and a lawnmower, and have little interest in learning how to do these chores, are you willing to pay someone to bring the front yard to a suitable standard, and to maintain it afterwards?
Privacy: Do you like a front yard or apartment block that is quite open to the street, or do you prefer more privacy? The type of plants and fence used in the front yard or outside the apartment block can affect how much passers-by can look in, and how secure the property is. If you prefer more privacy and security, look for higher fences in good condition.