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Renovating & Extending

  • 03-08-2013 11:08am
    #1
    crowsgrovelass
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2 ✭


    Hi All,

    I'm new to this forum but I've spent a lot of time reading through the different threads before finally taking the plunge and posting myself.

    I'm interested in purchasing an old cottage on a one acre site in rural Carlow with a view to renovate & extend it. The house itself is habitable according to the estate agent but it does not have any central heating, wall or floor insulation and most definitely needs to be rewired but the truth is I don't really know what needs to be done with it to bring it up to standard. I think it was built in the '30s or 40s, it's one of those two up two down cottages.

    Anyway, before I make an offer I need to determine what work I would need to do to bring the old structure up to a decent standard of performance, not just space-wise but energy-wise also - does that make sense?

    I have had an architect come look at it with me and he was really great at visualising how the old structure would meet the new visually but all he said about the structure of the old house was (by knocking on the wall) "it seems solid, but you won't know anything else until you start taking things apart" That really scares me as I am on a budget and really need to know as much as I can about what needs to be done with the old house before I can even consider putting in an offer.

    So, in short, my questions are:

    (A) What profession is best placed to provide me with the most details about the current state of the old building?

    (B) What profession is best suited to giving me an idea of what needs to be done to take the old structure from where it is to where it needs to be for modern energy efficient living?

    If there is something really obvious that I'm missing in this process please let me know as I'm a complete beginner at renovation & extending.

    Thanks.


Comments

  • #2
    crowsgrovelass
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2 ✭crowsgrovelass


    Been thinking some more about the situation & trying to be a bit proactive. If I organised a structural engineer to come have a look at the house would I get more information? or do I just need a different architect? or is what I have described above the norm when it comes to architect?

    Thanks,
    Grove


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