How to Conduct a DIY Home Inspection Before Buying Your Property

While it's easy to get caught up in the inspection of being able to afford a new home, finding an abode that’s the perfect fit for your intrinsic values and lifestyle goals requires clarity of mind and expert advice, starting with drawing up an apartment inspection checklist! Here’s what to look for when inspecting your short-listed dream condos. 

List your Non-Negotiables

The new-age apartment owner is no longer content with cookie-cutter layouts, mediocre lighting, poor soundproofing, and outdated appliances, rather, their functional abode needs to add value to each aspect of their life with seamless sophistication. Therefore, it’s important to look beyond the apparent, whether it’s a desirable urban location, state-of-the-art designer hardware, cavernous closet space, or spa-like washroom fittings, and evaluate whether you have everything you need to live with holistic fulfilment. The first step is to ask yourself, “What essential features can I not compromise on?” and then identify the pain points that you can't stand, even if everything else seems perfect.  For instance, while the aesthetics and trappings of an apartment can momentarily dazzle you, if you have your list of non-negotiables you are likely to notice less-than-ideal factors, such as faulty acoustics, claustrophobic layout, poor ventilation, and a lack of storage space. 

Survey the Exterior 

Whether you’re a tech-savvy millennial, family-oriented expat, or adventurous wanderlust-chaser, your contemporary urban oasis must satisfy these four basic requirements: security, comfort, convenience, and aesthetic pleasure. The exterior design and maintenance of your new home are just as important as its interior attributes, whether it's looking into the ‘curb appeal’ aspects of paint, landscaping, and architectural integrity or delving deeper into considerations such as weather protection, energy efficiency, driveway condition, and secure outdoor storage. For instance, a well-structured roof, high-quality windows and doors, and sturdy siding materials are vital to keeping out bad weather and pests, while also preventing energy loss and reducing your home’s environmental impact. Additionally, features like the architectural style, amount of greenery, colour palette, modern outdoor fittings, and how well your apartment complements the neighbourhood aesthetic, are also worth noting. 

Crucial Interior Assessments 

You and your landlord may have different ideas about what an apartment in “good condition” entails, so it’s vital to make sure you’re on the same page before paying that security deposit. While it's easy to get mesmerized by one-of-a-kind light fixtures, bespoke artisan furnishings, bold stylistic motifs, and cosy-chic minimalism, don’t forget to dive into the nitty-gritty of glossy, stainless flooring, functional light switches and electrical appliances, pristine door and window frames, functional kitchens with updated amenities, and fully operational washrooms. If something doesn’t feel right, make sure you voice your concerns to the landlord instead of sweeping it under the carpet, as this is likely to continue after you move in!

Explore the Neighbourhood 

The best apartments are located in respectable and tranquil neighbourhoods with plenty of lush greenery, picturesque cycling lanes, and scenic pedestrian-friendly walks, just a stone’s throw away from the chaotic city hustle. Before making any commitments, it’s a good idea to take a stroll around the area to make sure that the community, atmosphere, amenities, and lifestyle patterns are to your liking.If you’re looking for stylishly sophisticated apartments in Sri Lanka proffering superior access to pulsating urban hotspots for business and leisure, venture no further than Prime Residencies. 

Privacy and Security

Even if you find everything in tip-top shape, poor security features are a dealbreaker. From fully functioning security cameras, smart locks, and swipe cards to an efficient concierge and security guard service, comprehensive, hi-tech security systems are imperative for quality apartment living. Also, make sure you research the type of demographic the apartment complex caters to, as the lifestyle of your fellow residents needs to be compatible with yours!