Key Considerations for Evaluating Open Homes in NZ

When embarking on the journey of home hunting in New Zealand, visiting open homes is a critical step. It's a tangible way to feel the space, imagine your life unfolding within its walls, and assess its potential to become your sanctuary. However, with the excitement comes the responsibility of thorough evaluation. Here’s what you need to consider when inspecting open homes across Aotearoa.

Ensuring Structural Integrity

The foundation of any home lies in its bones – its structure. Not only does this dictate the longevity of the property, but it also plays a pivotal role in determining its safety and functionality. When stepping into an open home, it is crucial that you keep a keen eye out for signs that may suggest structural compromise.

• Cracks - Pay attention to any cracks snaking their way through walls, ceilings or floors. These could be telltale indicators of foundational issues or problems with the framing. In some cases, these cracks might be superficial, but in others, they could signify more serious structural damage.

• Uneven Flooring - While a slight slope might not be a cause for concern, significant unevenness or bounciness underfoot warrants further investigation. This could suggest underlying foundational problems.

• Doors and Windows - Doors and windows that resist closure or sit askew within their frames might hint at underlying problems such as settling or shifting foundations. This again could potentially lead to costly repairs down the line.

Assessing Maintenance and Condition

Beyond the structure, it's essential to assess the general maintenance and condition of the property. A visibly well-cared-for property may indicate fewer hidden issues or upcoming repairs.

• Exterior Paintwork - Peeling paint might seem like a minor issue that's easy to fix. However, it can often signal neglect and potentially deeper issues like water damage or rot.

• Water Stains - Look out for water stains on walls, ceilings, or around windows and doors. These are not just unsightly; they could be harbingers of more significant problems such as leaks or dampness which can lead to mould growth, affecting both your health and comfort.

• Roofline - A sagging roofline is another red flag to watch out for. It's not just a cosmetic flaw; it could suggest structural issues or potential water damage.

These elements reflect how well the home has been cared for and can provide a snapshot of the potential upkeep and maintenance requirements. They serve as crucial factors influencing your decision-making process, helping you to make an informed and confident choice when hunting for a home in New Zealand.

Addressing Dampness and Ventilation: A Healthy, Happy Home

New Zealand's unique climate can often lead to dampness in homes, an issue that can significantly impact your health and overall comfort. When inspecting a property, be vigilant for tell-tale signs of dampness or inadequate ventilation. These may include:

• Mould patches on walls or ceilings.

• A persistent musty odour that suggests trapped moisture.

• Visible condensation on windows or other surfaces.

Remember, these signs are not just minor inconveniences; they're warning signals of potential issues that could lead to significant problems down the line. The Healthy Homes Standards in New Zealand emphasise the importance of proper heating, effective ventilation, and robust measures to prevent moisture ingress. So, when choosing a home, make sure these standards are met to ensure you have a comfortable living environment that promotes good health.

Insulation and Heating: The Warmth Factor for Your Comfort

A warm home isn't just about comfort; it's crucial for maintaining good health too. Therefore, when house hunting in New Zealand, one crucial factor you should pay attention to is the presence and quality of insulation in the property. Here's what you need to know:

• Ask about the insulation present in different parts of the house – the walls, ceilings, and underfloors should all ideally be insulated.

• Remember that quality insulation is key for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature throughout the year. It also plays a vital role in energy efficiency by keeping your power bills in check.

Also, take time to examine the heating solutions provided in the house. Whether it's heat pumps, wood burners, or modern panel heaters – these are not just amenities; they're essential elements that will contribute significantly to your winter wellbeing.

While aesthetics and location are important factors when choosing a home in New Zealand, don't overlook practical aspects like dampness control, insulation, and heating. These factors can greatly influence your quality of life and should be high on your list when deciding on a new home.

Sunlight and Orientation: Chasing the Sun

Sunlight does more than brighten rooms; it brings warmth and a sense of well-being. Properties with north or northwest-facing aspects tend to bask in more sunshine throughout the day in New Zealand. Evaluate the amount of natural light each room receives as this can greatly affect both your mood and power consumption.

Noise Levels and Privacy: Your Sanctuary

Peacefulness at home is invaluable. Consider noise levels from both inside out; traffic noise, neighbourhood activity or even internal acoustics play into the overall tranquillity of your living space. Privacy too is essential – if you're close to neighbours or thoroughfares, think about how this impacts your comfort.

Outdoor Spaces: Green Thumbs and Leisure Times

Outdoor areas extend your living space into nature’s embrace. Whether it’s manicured gardens, expansive decks or simply lush lawns – each requires maintenance and should meet your lifestyle needs. Evaluate whether these spaces offer you what you envision for outdoor relaxation or family activities.

Room Layout and Size: Fit for Purpose

Does the house flow as you'd like? Is there enough room for growth or downsizing? The configuration of bedrooms, living areas, storage options – all should align with your current and future lifestyle needs.

Local Amenities: Living Locally

Your new home doesn't exist in isolation; it's part of a broader community ecosystem. Proximity to schools, shopping centres, public transport routes, parks and healthcare facilities can dramatically influence daily life convenience.

Future Potential vs Restrictions: Dreaming Big

When looking at a property, it's important to let your imagination take the lead. Consider any potential you see for renovations or extensions that could enhance value or functionality. Perhaps there's space for an extra bedroom or bathroom, or maybe you envision an open-plan kitchen and dining area that would make entertaining a breeze.

However, while dreaming big is encouraged, don't forget to balance these dreams with reality. Legal constraints such as zoning restrictions or covenants on the title could limit what you're able to do with the property. For example:

• Zoning rules might prevent you from adding a second storey or extending the property footprint.

• Covenants on the title could prohibit certain types of renovations or alterations.

Before making any purchase decision, be sure to fully understand these potential limitations to avoid disappointment down the line.

Personalisation Potential: Making it Yours

A house becomes a home when it reflects who you are and aligns with your lifestyle. Take some time to ponder over how much room there is for personal touches – painting walls in your favourite colours, updating fixtures to reflect your style, or reconfiguring spaces to cater for specific needs.

But remember - not every property allows for unlimited personalisation. If you're considering a unit title (common in apartment buildings and townhouse complexes), there may be limitations imposed by Body Corporate rules that might limit customisations. These can include:

• Restrictions on exterior changes like paint colour or window coverings.

• Limitations on interior alterations such as knocking down walls or changing floorplans.

In conclusion, while finding the perfect home involves balancing many factors, considering future potential and personalisation possibilities can help ensure you find a place where you’ll feel truly at home.

Indoor-Outdoor Flow: Seamless Living

New Zealanders cherish their ability to move effortlessly between indoor and outdoor living spaces. Look for features like expansive doors leading onto patios which facilitate this blend of environments - an aspect highly prized for entertaining or simply enjoying our beautiful climate.

Family-Friendly Considerations: Safety First

For those with little ones or furry friends, assess if the property caters to their needs safely. Enclosed outdoor areas free from hazards like busy roads nearby ensure peace of mind while providing a safe environment for playtime.

Evaluating open homes in New Zealand demands careful consideration across multiple dimensions - from structural integrity through to personalisation potential - each playing its part in informing your final decision. By approaching this process methodically with these key points in mind, you stand a strong chance of finding not only a house, but a home that truly meets your needs and enhances your lifestyle. So, take your time, do your research, and trust your instincts. After all, finding the perfect home is a journey worth embarking on.

To make things easier we have created a checklist of the key components to check at an open home which is available here.