What to look for when buying an old house.

Buying a house can be a daunting task. Purchasing an old home can be even more challenging. In the United Kingdom old homes refer to buildings that are pre-1940. Many people are looking for property with charm and character which they can later renovate. These buyers usually are looking for old properties to buy. Whereas these homes have the quintessential environment and appearance that many people adore, on the other hand there are many factors to consider when viewing old property.

Some factors to consider when visiting an old property include first and foremost the structure of the building. You must always ensure that the building looks and feels solid and structurally sound. You should examine the house for any big cracks. If you notice major cracks in vital areas like extension join, bay windows and end-of-terrace walls then you must get a surveyor or engage a structural engineer to approve the site. Another factor to look at is the presence of any damp. Any signs of mound and flaky plaster along with watermarked walls can be a red flag. Always make sure fresh paint has not been used to cover up any damp, which is what many home sellers may do.

Another problem that one can face with old homes is the size of storage and rooms. Many old homes have smaller rooms and scant storage space which may not suit your needs. It’s very important to see whether or not the home will fit all your belongings. Another thing to look out for is staging, many house sellers cleverly make use of mirrors, strategic lighting, cozy fires and fresh paints to make their homes look newer and more appealing. So it is always clever to keep an eye out open for this.

Always examine the state of the external window frames which are great indicators of the state of the house. Check for rotten window frames and any condensation between double-glazed windows which indicate faults and poor insulation. The roof of the house should also be examined as many old homes have roofs which have leaks or cracks and are not properly sealed. Always examine for damp staining, discolorations or any indications of leaks. Next, always check the plumbing g of the house. Check the water pressure in the taps and see if the pipes are insulators. Many old homes also have old radiators, boilers and water tanks which may need to be replaced very soon.

Always check mobile activity when in the old home. Check and see how many bars you get and if calls can be easily made throughout the house. Always check the gutters and downpipes of the home to see what condition they are in. Have they been regularly replaced or do the pipes show any sign of leakage or wear. Location is another factor of vital importance. Always gaze out the windows to check the views and the roads. Are the roads very busy and what is the house facing? These are important factors to consider when buying am old house. Also check what the house comes with. Are the sellers adding a washing machine, fridge or any other deal with house? Also check for noise proof walls. Many old homes tend to be located near railways stations meaning lots of noise that could disturb them. It is a smart decision to go into each room and check and see how much noise you can hear coming from the neighborhood.

Another factor to consider is whether the property is amenable to renovations. Many old properties have such compromised structures that carrying out any renovation can be very challenging and even dangerous. Always make sure the structure of the house will be able to support any renovations or construction work. Also calculate how much would be spent on renovations to check and see whether buying the house would be economically feasible for you.

It’s a good idea to visit the neighborhood, and walk around to ensure that you like the atmosphere. Check to see where the nearest schools are locates, how far the restaurant and markets are and also the transportation routes. Check and see how the drainage in the area is and also whether there has been any recent flooding. Most importantly always listen to your gut. If you don like the house or have any doubts then don’t buy it! But if you like the house, it’s always a great idea to get a full survey of the properly and even consult a few people to ensure the house is structurally and functionally sound and efficient.