[VOL.26] Is That Used Property Safe to Buy? | 7 Signs to Look for During a Viewing, Taught by an Architect
Even in renovated properties, structural issues may be hidden.
Judging solely by appearance can lead to expensive repairs after purchase.
We have compiled 7 signs to look for during a viewing, along with practical methods.
Why viewings are important
For used properties, identifying invisible problems determines the success or failure of the purchase.
For buildings over 30 years old,25-30% tend to show signs of deterioration such as floor tilting.
(Source: Architectural Institute of Japan)
Overlooked issues can lead to an average of over 2 million yenin repair costs.
(Source: Housing Renovation Promotion Council)
Improving the quality of your viewing can lead to peace of mind and cost savings later.
7 signs to look for during a viewing
[Sign 1] Floor tilt ★Effect: Early detection of differential settlement or structural distortion★
Measure height differences using a smartphone level and a 1m ruler.
Anything over 6mm/1m (6/1000) requires caution (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Notification No. 1653).
Anything over 10/1000 may cause health issues.
Repair costs are estimated at 2 to 6 million yen.
[Sign 2] Exterior wall cracks ★Effect: Understand durability and waterproofing★
Estimate the width by inserting a business card (approx. 0.2mm).
Less than 0.3mm is a hairline crack, 0.3mm or more requires repair, and 1.0mm or more is
an emergency.
(Japan Concrete Institute).
There is a possibility of rebar corrosion.
[Sign 3] Signs of water leakage ★Effect: Discover failure of the waterproof layer★
Check for ceiling stains, wall bulges, and around window sashes.
Old stains are dry and brown, while new ones are damp and dark.
Viewing the day after rain is effective.
Roof repairs600,000 to 2 million yen(Insurance company statistics).
[Sign 4] Foundation cracks ★Effect: Evaluate seismic resistance and differential settlement risk★
Check the underfloor inspection hatch and the outer perimeter foundation.
Width of 0.3mm or more and depth of 4mm or moreis dangerous,0.5mm or morerequires immediate action.
(Japan Building Disaster Prevention Association)
Epoxy injection3,000 to 6,000 yen/m.
[Sign 5] Deterioration of plumbing ★Effect: Predict maintenance costs for water supply and drainage★
Pipe lifespan is 15-25 years for water supply pipes15-25 years, and 15-30 years for drainage pipes15-30 years(Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism).
Be wary of low water pressure or red water.
Replacement for detached houses500,000 to 800,000 yen, for apartments300,000 to 500,000 yen.
[Sign 6] Neighborhood environment ★Effect: Evaluate risks that cannot be changed★
Sunlight (4 hours or more at winter solstice), noise55-60dB, and garbage collection areas
should be checked multiple times in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
Reports of neighborhood trouble are 62% (National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan).
Structures can be fixed, but location cannot be changed.
[Sign 7] Renovation history ★Effect: Check the building's health record★
Check repair records for the last 10 years and whether seismic reinforcement has been performed.
Asking the seller or agent, or getting a home inspection (50,000 to 80,000 yen) is also effective.
(Japan Home Inspectors Association)
Seismic retrofitting can be expected to increase asset value by **20%**.
3-step check method
Please keep this in mind.
1.Visual inspectionto confirm abnormalities with numerical data
2.Environmentchecked by time of day
3.Historyconfirmed through questions
You can reduce risks with these 3 steps.
Action from today
Re-check the property you are interested in using the7 signs.
If you still have concerns, consider using a home inspection (50,000 to 80,000 yen).
Please.
(Japan Home Inspectors Association)
With this, you can expect to avoidmillions of yen in scalerepair risks.
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*Sources Architectural Institute of Japan, Housing Renovation Promotion Council, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Notification No. 1653, Japan Concrete Institute, Japan Building Disaster Prevention Association, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan, Japan Home Inspectors Association, Insurance company statistics