Property Surveys

If you are thinking of buying a house, it’s essential to always invest in a detailed survey. It may be a further expense in the process, but it is far better to fully understand the extent of any necessary repairs before committing to a purchase.

Before putting in a final offer, try to gauge some idea of the costs involved in any necessary renovation or repair works programme. At Carpenters, our surveyors are able to provide estimates, that you may be able to use when negotiating the final price to be paid for the property.

Be realistic!….Too many people take a rose-tinted view when buying an old house that requires work. Old building projects can be very stressful, so carefully review the project ahead, your budget and time frames before you proceed to commitment.

An old house has many significant qualities that make it special. Even the humblest two-up, two-down property will have little touches of craftsmanship that give it individuality. Walk down any street of traditional houses and you’ll see a plethora of what might seem like an almost unnecessary detail. It may be moulded brickwork, carved stonework, or a simple flourish on a window frame. Coupled with the attractive passage of age, it’s this bespoke craftsmanship and thoughtfulness to the level of detail that gives older properties character and makes them worth cherishing.

Period buildings whilst offering a great deal of character and history can be difficult to fully understand. An incorrect diagnosis with a moisture problem, for example, can have a disasterous effects on the fabric of the building!

Understanding the structure of the building is vital. Some properties that appear to be brick are, in fact, timber frame, while render coatings may cover a whole variety of unexpected materials. Never assume that, because one part of a wall is of a certain material, the whole house is the same: often a wide variety of materials are found in one building. Internally layers of plasterboard or dry-lining may be hiding all manner of problems.

Often items like perfectly good original windows are needlessly replaced with poor replicas or, worse still, totally inappropriate styles/materials. This can often devalue the property both aesthetically and, according to many estate agents, financially.

Equally, be wary of past repairs or alterations, as poorly executed building work often holds unpleasant surprises. Quick fixes and the use of cement mortars, renders and plasters can all lead to problems in the future.