Are you the type of person who would look for a new build when buying your first home? or do you love the charm and mystery surrounding an older property? If you like the idea of bringing an older property more up to date amid tons of character and making it your home, read on for some things to look out for...

 

Check for Clay Pipes

It is always best to check the drainage in an older property and replace the pipes if they are made from clay. This older piping might look like it is still in good repair but does begin to crack and leak over time, especially at the joins. Modern PVC piping is more robust, will last longer and ensure you don’t get problems with the foundations of the property further down the line after you are settled and don’t need the hassle.

 

Investigate Underpinnings and Inspect the Roof

If there has been subsidence in an older property and the ground the house is built on has become less stable since it was built, then it might have already been underpinned. If you are not sure, check for cracks around the doors, floors and windows as this is usually a sign that a house has not been underpinned which can be costly if you need to get it done yourself. Underpinning a property strengthens and stabilises it, ensuring that it won’t move or sink. When it comes to the roof, have a look for missing tiles or slates and if there are no obvious signs of deterioration there, check for bowed gutters or leaks inside.

 

Will You Salvage Period Features?

Period features in a property a beautiful without a doubt and saving them is something you might want to do to retain the overall feel and look of a property. We live very differently now in comparison to the people who would have lived in your period property when it was originally built and you might want a different layout, more bathrooms or walls knocked to make the property more spacious. It’s important to note, that if you plan to modernise, keeping the original features might not be possible or will require the help (and fees) of a specialist to recreate parts of it.

We hope our advice has helped with your decision on whether to go ahead with the purchase of an older property or if it makes more sense to go with a newer build. If you need some more help and advice which is tailored to your circumstances, please get in touch with us and we will do our very best to help.

 

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