Over the past year we’ve learnt how to do everything online. From Zoom birthdays to Google Meet lectures and seminars: video conferencing platforms have become a Messiah for many of our regular needs. So, when it comes to finding accommodation for yourself, why should you turn to anything else? With lockdown rules still in place, it’s difficult for you to go on ground and check out different flats, PGs or hostels yourself. Thankfully, home tours are also going virtual these days. And a virtual tour is exactly what you need to find the best accommodation for yourself before you start your new job in one of the top startups of Hyderabad. There are several advantages to virtual tours of course, the foremost of which are that you can see several options in a lot less time from the comfort of your current home.
But what about the things you can only find out by physically being in a space – the feeling of the flooring, the ease with which the window sliders work, the amount of sunlight a room gets. It’s true, there’s no replacement for these in the virtual world. But there are ways that you can maximise your virtual tour to get as accurate an impression as possible. That’s why we’ve got you a list of the questions you should ask your landlord or broker during a virtual tour. With the answers to these questions, you’ll have enough information to make an informed decision. So, let’s dive in.
Can you zoom in?
When you look at photos of hostels or PGs online, chances are the listing pictures are only going to showcase the positive parts of the accommodation and skip out on the nitty-gritties. Well, that’s where a virtual tour can come in handy. Ask your landlord or broker to zoom in on the details so you can get more clarity. How low or high is the ceiling? How old are the light fixtures? Is that paint on the window grills or rust? Getting a closer look at the furnishings will help you form a clearer picture of the place in your mind. You’ll also be able to use this information to negotiate with the landlord about the maintenance of the property before you move in.
Can you open the cupboard doors?
If you’re looking for a hostel or PG in Hyderabad, you’re going to need to know about the storage situation you’re working with. So, ensure that you get a good look inside the cupboards and storage compartments in the rooms you’re touring. This will give you an idea about how much you’ll be able to accommodate (and therefore, how much you should pack). You’ll also have time to purchase additional storage items if required. In hostels and PGs, where every square inch of space counts, it’s important to know if you’re going to get value for your money before you pay a deposit.
Can you turn on the shower?
Obviously, it won’t be the same as testing the water pressure yourself, but even a visual will help you get a basic idea of whether everything is in correct working order. You don’t want to move into the flat and find you’re stuck with a dribble of water mid-shampoo. In a city like Hyderabad, that has been known to face water problems in the past, it’s best to know what you’re dealing with beforehand.
Can you show me the view?
Of course, getting a good look at the inside of your accommodation is a good idea, but you should also know what’s going on outside it. Do you have a clear view or is there something blocking it. Ask your landlord to show you the view from the window so you can know whether you’re willing to commit to it for a year or longer. Another thing you can do beyond a virtual tour is to check the accommodation out on Google Earth. You’ll get to see what the street view is like and get a basic idea of the neighbourhood as well.
Can you tell me about the noise levels?
Noise levels can actually be a make or break when it comes to choosing accommodation. If you’re choosing a hostel or PG, you want to know how many shared walls your room has before you book the packers and movers in Hyderabad to get you there. If you’re choosing a flat, you want to know how noisy the surroundings are. Is the building on the main road facing a lot of traffic? Is there a marriage hall nearby that’s going to be quite loud? If you’re able to hear blaring sirens and a lot of background noise during your virtual tour, you should be mindful that that’s what you’ll experience when you live there too.
Virtual tours can be a great boon in this socially distanced world, and help you make the best choices when it comes to accommodation. With these questions, you’ll have an added advantage and get as close as possible to an in-person tour. So remember to ask your landlord all of these questions, and good luck with your house hunt in Hyderabad!
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