Hello!
I've been looking at a house that's for sale. Unfortunately, we don't know anything about house construction and now I need your help to assess what's stated about the house. Here's what's available:
Building type: Single-story villa with a basement
Year built: 1959
Framework: Trä
Facade: Brick
Windows: Double-glazed
Floor structure: Concrete
Roof: Tile
External sheet metal work: Painted sheet metal
Please, those of you who know a little about houses... What do you think... What should we consider?
All responses are welcome!
I've been looking at a house that's for sale. Unfortunately, we don't know anything about house construction and now I need your help to assess what's stated about the house. Here's what's available:
Building type: Single-story villa with a basement
Year built: 1959
Framework: Trä
Facade: Brick
Windows: Double-glazed
Floor structure: Concrete
Roof: Tile
External sheet metal work: Painted sheet metal
Please, those of you who know a little about houses... What do you think... What should we consider?
All responses are welcome!
I don't think you need to be particularly afraid of buying that house. At that time, construction was generally better than it is today.
What should be checked extra carefully in a property inspection are the following:
- drainage (moisture on the inside often reveals that it is not functioning)
- electrical system (red ground wire was used, today it is yellow-green. Later changes may have caused it not to function properly with grounding, etc. Insulation and grounding testing is recommended.)
- heating system (look around radiators if it’s a waterborne system for brown marks that may indicate leakage. Check the boiler/oil tank (if one exists) to ensure it is inspected (required since July 1, 2007). If it is direct-acting electric radiators, expect them to need replacement if it hasn't been done. Even the control system may need to be replaced with a central one if it doesn't exist, even if the radiators are new. Also check that any chimney passed the latest fire inspection. The same applies to the exhaust duct from the kitchen fan.)
- roof (crawl into the attic and look for black/brown spots on the underside of the roof panel around the chimney and other penetrations. These are signs of leakage.)
- attic (is there an air gap at the eaves? Are there gable vents? Is the floor insulation intact and undisturbed?)
- 2-pane windows are energy thieves, especially if they are not airtight
- make sure to get all keys to the house (otherwise you'll need to change the lock system/cylinders, which is recommended if the house has been sold multiple times.)
- a private well needs to be checked regarding water quality and capacity.
- a private sewage system needs to be checked to ensure it meets today's requirements for wastewater management from toilets, etc. More is required today than when the house was built.
Plus a thousand other things. Therefore, hire an authorized inspector for the property inspection.
_______________
Byggaren
What should be checked extra carefully in a property inspection are the following:
- drainage (moisture on the inside often reveals that it is not functioning)
- electrical system (red ground wire was used, today it is yellow-green. Later changes may have caused it not to function properly with grounding, etc. Insulation and grounding testing is recommended.)
- heating system (look around radiators if it’s a waterborne system for brown marks that may indicate leakage. Check the boiler/oil tank (if one exists) to ensure it is inspected (required since July 1, 2007). If it is direct-acting electric radiators, expect them to need replacement if it hasn't been done. Even the control system may need to be replaced with a central one if it doesn't exist, even if the radiators are new. Also check that any chimney passed the latest fire inspection. The same applies to the exhaust duct from the kitchen fan.)
- roof (crawl into the attic and look for black/brown spots on the underside of the roof panel around the chimney and other penetrations. These are signs of leakage.)
- attic (is there an air gap at the eaves? Are there gable vents? Is the floor insulation intact and undisturbed?)
- 2-pane windows are energy thieves, especially if they are not airtight
- make sure to get all keys to the house (otherwise you'll need to change the lock system/cylinders, which is recommended if the house has been sold multiple times.)
- a private well needs to be checked regarding water quality and capacity.
- a private sewage system needs to be checked to ensure it meets today's requirements for wastewater management from toilets, etc. More is required today than when the house was built.
Plus a thousand other things. Therefore, hire an authorized inspector for the property inspection.
_______________
Byggaren
Thank you so much! I will print out your response !!!
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