Recently, a client came to Bottom Line Property Management for rental services. They got scammed by a bad agent. To protect our visitors from being scammed, we are writing this awareness post. Inside, you will learn about the utilities you must check before buying/renting your next home. But before that, let us share the story of what happened to the client with you.
A Story That Every Renter/Buyer Should Read
The client who came to us at Bottom Line Property Management was both worried and at an intermediate rate. Upon asking the reason for being concerned, their reply shocked us.
They mentioned that we recently bought a property, thinking of it as our dream house. We fell for the shining walls, modern cabinets, and fresh paint. The whole aesthetic of the house was beautiful. Deal closed, payment made, and we moved in.
But within the first week after moving, reality starts knocking. The water pressure is so weak that it takes 20 minutes to fill a bucket. The power trips every time they switch on the microwave and air conditioner together.
To make things worse, the internet connection that the agent promised barely loads a call. Above that, the client was a remote worker, and without a reliable internet connection, their life was essentially non-existent.
It is a common mistake that many people make while buying or renting a property. They usually fell in love with the look of a house while ignoring the backbone that makes it livable - the utilities.
4 Utilities You Must Check Before Making Your Next Property Decision
Without any fluff, let's dive straight into the four (04) must-have utilities to check before you sign your next property deal.
1. Water Supply & Plumbing
The first utility that you should check before signing your next property deal is the water supply and plumbing. As they say, “water is life,” compromising on it can cost you big.
Your life will probably become frustrating if, when after moving in, you find out that the:
Water pressure is weak.
Pipes are rusted.
Leakage in the lines is causing damage to the walls.
That is why water and plumbing are the first things you should check, especially if you are about to buy a home, as it can cost you heavily later.
To check water pressure, the fundamental trick is to open all the taps at once and observe the uniformity. Check the walls near the stains to see if there’s a leak.
Moreover, ask the neighbours about the hard water problem. Because if your taps leave stains on everything, fade the clothes, your wife won’t blame the water… she’ll blame you 😜.
2. Electricity & Wiring
A designer house is useless if it can't run your air conditioner and microwave oven simultaneously. We have seen many people who often complain about power tripping issues once they move into a new accommodation. Usually, the culprit behind tripping is poor electrical wiring materials and connections. The problems, such as poor electrical wiring, are not just inconvenient; they also pose a safety risk.
So, must inspect the electricity and wiring, especially the DB having circuit breakers. If you do not have the basic idea, call an electrician or ask the property owner about the power load capacity and other relevant details.
3. Internet & Connectivity
The Internet has become a basic necessity for freelancers, especially in today’s working environment, where many work remotely and provide services globally. A home without the internet today feels incomplete.
So, before making the decision, inspect the internet and network connectivity coverage in the area. If you often rely on cellular internet, check which provider is available in your area.
For a general assessment, check internet speed online using your smartphone. It will give you an idea of the internet experience you can expect at your current location.
Why test? Because sometimes the promises made on paper do not match reality.
4. Heating, Cooling & Ventilation (HVAC)
A home might feel cozy at first, but once winter or summer hits, you will know whether the heating and cooling systems work. Outdated HVAC systems not only fail to keep you comfortable but also drive energy bills through the roof.
Check if the home has working heaters, air conditioning, or central HVAC. Pay attention to ventilation, too. A poorly ventilated house can:
Trap moisture
Cause dampness
Lead to mold
Good air circulation and efficient systems mean comfort all year round.
Bottom Line
Do not fall for a property just because the cabinets are stylish, the ceiling is too good, and the tiles are shining like a mirror. They will be worthless if the basic utilities, such as the four we discussed in this post, are compromised. Before signing the deal for your next home, you should check these utilities. They will save you from the heavy cost of repairs that you might incur if a wrong decision is made.
