Next time I buy a house, I’ll check the following;
*Turn all the light switches on and off – make sure they do what they’re supposed to. Turn on several kitchen appliances at once and see if the trip switch trips.
*Turn the shower on – does it work? Does it get warm?
*^^^ Ditto all the taps in the house
*Is there fresh paint anywhere? Why is it there? Covering up damp problems perhaps?
*Open and close all the doors – do they close properly?
*Visit the property at several different times of the day – are the neighbours hanging about in their nightwear drinking cider with all their mates, listening to the worst music ever and smoking spliffs the size of battleships? (This one is particularly close to my heart).
Basically, be really nosey – move furniture around to see if the wall to wall laminate / carpets actually goes to the wall.
Don’t be scared of appearing to be rude – you’re making one of the biggest purchases of your life….