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Checklist for buying an old home

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  • 07-05-2015 11:10am
    #1
    JIM OSCAR
    Registered Users Posts: 20 ✭


    we are going to buy our first house in Dublin . Just viewing houses around . so what questions do we have to ask or Checklist for buying an old home ?
    Tagged:


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    #2
    riclad
    Registered Users Posts: 8,184 ✭✭✭riclad


    You,ll probably need to get a full survey done.
    Look for cracks in walls ,ceilings,
    ONE cracked roof tile can cause a bad leak into the walls,attic ,
    which may not be visible ,unless you go up into the attic .
    Water tank may need replacing,
    how old is the electric wiring,
    it may need a complete rewiring.
    DO not assume the heating ,boiler is working .
    Some old houses have very little insulation.
    some old houses have lead pipe ,water pipe going in ,this will need to be replaced .
    dont pay for survey unless your offer is accepted.
    is there a cover over the water tank.
    most old houses need 4-6 tiles that need replacing .
    how is the roof acessed ,
    is there acess by an attic window .
    ARE the roof gutters clean ,or full of leaves .
    Are the boundarys at all sides clearly documented on all sides of the house,garden.


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    #3
    The_Conductor
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 32,279 Mod ✭✭✭✭The_Conductor


    I'd agree with Riclad- you will *need* a full survey.
    Don't get hung up on cracks etc though- every building has them- it doesn't necessarily mean its shifting or the foundations are poor (etc etc).

    If/when you find someplace you like- get a complete survey done at that stage. Its quite usual to get a report back which may run to several pages, of 'issues' that need to be resolved. You either accept the list- purchase the property- and use it as a shopping list in order of priorities for repairs/rehabilitation work over the next few years (focusing on the minimum to make the building habitable in the first instance).

    If the house is a reasonable price- but has a list of works associated with it- it will still sell. If you try to play hardball over the survey- it may cost you the property. Be realistic.


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    #4
    riclad
    Registered Users Posts: 8,184 ✭✭✭riclad


    A full structural survey will give a list of all faults and repairs needed ,
    eg dry rot,rising damp etc,
    and will give an estimate of the full cost of repairs ,
    eg when i say cracks i mean cracks in stone or brick walls ,
    which will need to be filled in.
    Check windows ,can they be opened ,closed .if the windows are old wood type frames .victorian type single pane windows ,
    eg not double glazed windows .
    Those windows often need new ropes fitted inside the frames ,
    as the ropes break after say 20 years use.


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