What to look for when buying a house in the secondary market? In the old building there could be different problems, therefore already at the stage of the review of the house it is necessary to pay attention not only to the overall impression, but also to the detail.
Where to begin?
Better with a review of the building project. It contains applied structural solutions and materials. However, remember that the project can only serve as an additional help in assessing the technical condition, since the documentation is not proof that the building was completed according to it.
Overview of the facade.
First of all, we pay attention to the solidity and condition of the construction of the building. We are looking for all kinds of cracks, as well as scratches, indicating a poor condition of the foundation and walls - for example, the uneven draft of the building. We were reassured by the faucet on the front of the house?
Obviously, this is convenient for watering the garden, but in this case it is important to have a dense drainage, otherwise the water can wash away the foundation and deprive it of its strength for years. A similar erosion may occur in the case of a long absence of gutters. If we detect damage of this type, we need to ask for a consultation from a trusted person who will be able to assess whether they are serious, how they can be remedied, and what the repair costs will be. You also need to dig a foundation to check their waterproofing, and possible cracks or moisture.
Time for the interior.
Inside the building we pay special attention to the presence of fungus and dampness especially if the building has long been empty. Fungi are dangerous for human health, as well as for wooden structures, and humidity reduces the comfort of use and the stability of the house. Fungus should be searched in the whole building, especially in the basement.
First of all, let's confide in the smell - a characteristic, musty smell should immediately be felt. Common signs of humidity are: cracks and discoloration of plasters, the paint exfoliates, as well as raw parquet. The feeding of fungi is composed of trace elements in the wood, so it is necessary to check the wooden elements well - the roof frame, the window carpentry, the door frame, as well as the surface of the thermal bridges (places where heat runs from the house). Professional assess the effects of fungus can specialist - mycologist.
Remember that eliminating both damp and fungi is unusually expensive and difficult, so the possible purchase of such a house must be well thought out, quantifiable and consulted with specialists.
Vaults and roof.
We check the reinforced concrete vaults at an angle, for the presence of scratches, abrupt deviations, and also the shortcomings indicative of corrosion. It is worth several jumping on each floor to check the inflexibility of the vaults and feel its possible bending. Particular attention should be paid to the beams in the arch above the basement (higher humidity).
Wooden arches should also be checked at an angle to the presence of fungi or insects.
If it is a question of a roof, the state of its covering and drainage system is important. Carefully inspect the structure of the roof - rafters, formwork, footboards, columns. Look into the traces of the leakage of rainwater and snow. This is especially important, since it means that water was getting inside the house, and soaking strengthens the yielding ability to attack insects and fungi.
In addition, chimneys should be checked, in particular, their appearance, integrity, strength and general condition.
Another very important issue is the state of gutters, tides, sheets, a drainage. A dehumidified system triggers the pouring of walls. The effects of this state of things cause not only the destruction of the walls, but also the foundations - the water from the roof drains directly to the ground, gets under the foundation, washing it.
Carpentry.
We check the density of windows and doors, inspect the walls under the windowsills - we look for smudges. We estimate the cost of any repair or replacement. If windows and doors are of historical value, it is worthwhile to talk with a specialist who will say if they can be repaired and what the cost will be.
Environment.
It is preferable to check the water table, if the land has been reclaimed, this will save us from unpleasant surprises. Also, the plants around the house are important - the trees that are near the house are unusually picturesque, but they can bring us many problems - the roots can destroy the foundation, the falling branches damage the roof, and the leaves clog the drains.
Reconstruction.
We found a house. There are some truths, but in the presence of knowledge and technical capabilities, we will make a dream home out of it. Obviously, it is true, however, extensive restructuring will be combined with the need to reinforce foundations, which will significantly increase costs. In addition, before planning such an investment you need to get acquainted with the local plan, as well as to accurately know the technical conditions. If we want to buy a house, but wait for repair, we must protect the building - it is good to compact the windows, doors and roof.