House Advice

Re: House Advice

Jacquelyn Smith — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 02:37:14 GMT

I would say, regardless of age, get the structural survey. Old houses (100 year old Victorian terraced) been up so long they're not gonna fall down, but as has been said, the wiring/plumbing/flashing etc is more likely to want replacing. In new builds (less than 10 years old) the foundations are still settling, in really new builds any little things that have sneaked past a keen eye will surface in the months to come (a tiny gap in the flashing means you will get damp and mould... The list is never ending. Be wary of previous owners renovation projects too. In the current economy lots of people are doing the work themselves which leads to dodgy plumbing and electrics. Plaster falling off the walls, collapsing kitchen units... You get the idea. If it is renovated ask to see trades peoples certificates to prove any work has been done properly. Check your furniture will fit. Look for slug trails along skirting boards. Check which walls are solid and which are stud partitions (you will thank me for that one when you have guests/children). Can't think of much else off the top of my head. Will pop back if anything springs to mind. X

Re: House Advice

Caro Laithwaite VN — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 22:04:19 GMT

Noise in the area, parking in the area (go different times day/evening) for these 2

Re: House Advice

Vickipr — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:30:58 GMT

Thank you guys,

very useful information!

Re: House Advice

Gillian Mostyn — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:16:09 GMT

If you're not sure what faults to look for, get a full structural survey, not just a homebuyers one. Especially if it is an old house. It will cost you a few hundred quid, but if it finds a major issue it may save you thousands.

Homebuyers surveys are mainly for valuation for the bank, so that their mortgage money is safe. They only really look at construction technique and general condition. I'd recommend having something a little more thorough than that.

Re: House Advice

Sal the 1st — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:36:48 GMT

condensation in the double glazing ( means the seal has gone) old light switches and electrical points (usually means the wiring is getting on a bit), rot on soffits outside ( either from a blocked drain or leak), damp patches on the walls outside, dips in the roof ridge, cracked or missing tiles on roof, loose or missing gutterings pointing on the bricks - ie has there been any fresh repointing and does it follow a line (ie a crack repair), fresh plastering inside, doors that dont shut properly, windows that dont open or when they have opened dont close. I am sure there is lots of other stuff