Quick Home Check
~2 min read
See what daily life will really feel like
Before you pay for a house in Uganda—finished or off-plan—do this short walkthrough to avoid costly surprises.
1) Structure & damp
- Look for cracks around door/window corners and at slab edges.
- Check for damp patches behind furniture, at skirting, and on ceilings.
2) Roof & drainage
- Ceiling stains suggest leaks; confirm guttering and downpipes carry water away from the house.
- Walk the compound after rain if possible; avoid homes where water pools around the foundation.
3) Power & water reality
- Test lights and sockets; inspect the breaker box and earthing.
- Ask about the Yaka meter and ensure ownership can be transferred.
- Run taps/showers; check pressure and look for leaks. Ask about NWSC supply patterns in the area.
4) Sanitation & services
- Is it sewer or septic? If septic, confirm size, location, and access for emptying.
- Ask about rubbish collection, security, and internet options.
5) Neighbourhood check
- Visit at night and on weekends to gauge noise (traffic, bars, boda stages, worship centres).
- Drive the access road after rain; murram sections can change quickly.
6) Snag list before payment
- Write a short list (doors that stick, leaks, broken tiles) and agree fixes before releasing the balance.
Tip: Keep a simple handover pack: keys, appliance manuals/warranties, and important contacts for future maintenance.