Penthouse

[Globetrot]

Hello!
We are very eager to buy a nice large penthouse in Vasastan, Stockholm in a couple of years. We love how they look, visible beams, many have fireplaces. They have many pluses.

One thing we are considering that could be crucial for us is...heat in the summer?

Many of them are built right under metal roofs. What does that mean? Is there something we should/can inspect regarding this? Or do all penthouses become boiling hot in the summer? Sun on black metal?

 

[Vardagsrum]

It completely depends on how well the kåken is insulated.

With poor insulation, it will be cold in the winter and hot in the summer.

So try to find out how and perhaps when the insulation was done.

 

[Globetrot]

Yes, isn't it more or less standard to have a layer of insulation? Isn't it important to have some kind of draft - cavity with ventilation? See picture of an example of an attic for sale now. I assume you want to see the details of the roof structure.

 

[Globetrot]

...such well-insulated metal roofs without ventilation, don't they become very hot?

 

[Globetrot]

Does anyone know how these roofs in Vasastan are usually constructed?

 

[pjgb]

@Noramasen probably knows.

 

[Jonatan79]

Newer attics often have better insulation than older ones. Try to find one with A/C and you're safe.

 

[Globetrot]

Newer attics often have better insulation than older ones. Try to find one with A/C and you'll be safe.

Mmmn…do you know if they were probably renovated when they were furnished? Thinking that many condos in Vasastan are from the 1800s, but most attic apartments probably from the 90s and onwards….

 

[Globetrot]

Newer attics usually have better insulation than older ones. Try to find one with A/C and you'll be safe.

Yes, we've thought about that. It seems rare though. Installing an AC in the form of a heat pump probably affects the facade, which you probably can't do on these beautiful turn-of-the-century housing associations... I guess. Does anyone have a different experience?

 

[BirgitS]

Yes, we have thought about it. It seems unusual though. Installing an AC in the form of a heat pump is certainly an impact on the facade that you probably can't do on these fine turn-of-the-century housing cooperatives... I guess. Does anyone have a different experience?

The sound from an AC is probably usually disturbing for neighbors and things that are outside the facade are normally within the association's responsibility. Two reasons why people usually aren't allowed to install AC.

 

[Jonatan79]

Yes, we have considered it. It seems unusual though. Installing an AC in the form of an air source heat pump is likely an impact on the facade that is not permitted on these fine turn-of-the-century condo buildings… I guess. Does anyone have a different experience?

I have seen new production of attic apartments that install A/C on the roof, which is unlikely to disturb neighbors.

 

[Noramasen]

@Noramasen probably has a clue.

Unfortunately, that's completely impossible for me to answer generally as there are so many factors involved.
For example:

• What is the current heating situation?
• Future potential heating?
• Construction in the floor or the level below?
• What is the roof construction like?
• Truss construction?
• Adjacent attic spaces?
• Permission to even make such significant changes from the involved parties.

Just a sample of the uncertainties.
The best thing is to contact an appropriate consultant once you've found the property that allows for the change.

 

[Globetrot]

That is unfortunately completely impossible for me to answer generally as there are so many factors involved.
For example:

• What is the current heating situation?
• Potential future heating?
• Construction of the floor or the floor below?
• What is the construction of the outer roof?
• Roof truss construction?
• Adjacent attic spaces?
• Permission to make such a significant change from the relevant parties.

Just a sample of the questions.
The best thing is to get in touch with a suitable consultant once you have found the property that allows the change.

What type of consultant can be hired? Like an inspection person?

 

[Globetrot]

I have seen new constructions of attic apartments that put A/C on the roof, hardly likely to disturb neighbors.

Mmm...yes, maybe. Probably uncommon in Vasastan.

 

[Noramasen]

What type of consultant can one hire? Like an inspection guy?

That is so extensive that at least a structural engineer, who especially has knowledge of older constructions that need to be adapted to new comforts, is required.
Is there perhaps an object in mind?
I suspect the millions start rolling already in the prospecting😉