Purchasing 14c/15c Grade II listed *PIC*

[Anonymous]

We are awaiting the survey on a late 14C/early 15C Grade II listed timber framed house. Can anyone advise generally about things to look out for on the survey?
In particular problems that will require urgent and costly work, problems of a non-urgent but diserable nature and those problems that you always get in an old house that you can live with without problems? We have a fixed budget to sort out any problems and have never owned an old property before.
Thanks

 

[Anonymous]

I assume that your survey has been carried out by someone with expertise in period buildings? That's important!

 

[Anonymous]

Just echoing what Evelyn said. It's in the nature of period buildings that every one is unique - and that means unique in its problems as well as its attractions and character!
Actually, there are certain problems that occur fairly regularly in some form or another - you only have to browse the list of questions on this forum to get a fair idea of what they are.
Bottom line - nobody here can really advise you to the extent that you need on the basis of a brief question and a little photo on this forum. You need to get a full structural survey done by a surveyor with extensive knowledge of period buildings in that area. He will be able to give you chapter and verse on what problems exist, the best way to approach their solution, and broad cost indications.
The survey will cost you money, but it'll be an excellent investment. Be sure to brief him fully before his survey, so that he knows particularly what aspects of the building interest you.

 

[Anonymous]

Two of the first things you look for on a very old building is:-

1) " a good hat "

2) " dry feet "

In other words, the condition of the roof and the condition of the base ( or sole beams)

If these have been well maintained and look O.K, is a very good indicator that there is nothing drastically wrong with the building.

On a building of this age you should always be prepaired to carry out maintenace as required to keep it in good condition.
Find out as much as you can about these buildings.

As Evelyn said, it is of the outmost inportance that surveys are carried out by inspectors which specialise in these buildings.

 

[Anonymous]

Almost identical to the one we are buying. See 'mortgage valuation' thread.

I emphasise what Evelyn and others have said, find a surveyor who is an accredited listed building expert to do a full buildings survey. Look on this site to help you.
Costly exercise, but money well spent to have someone who really understands a property such as this.

Good luck

Jocelyn

 

[Anonymous]

Think about the 1300s and 1400s in Britain. Think about what life was like, the issues of the day, the standards people lived in/to, the things that went on. Think of the building practices and standards of the day. Now, youre buying their house.

IOW nothing can be assumed or guaranteed. You need a full and thorough survey, including an assessment of its structural state, and knowledge of its legal status, which may or may not include issues. Everything needs to be assessed, nothing can be assumed. And it needs to be done not by someone who assures you theyre expert in period properties, but by someone who actually is.

If you do that you'll know exactly what youre getting, and need worry no more. Then you can buy and live happily and with a peaceful mind.

A checklist doesnt really cut it in these cases.

NT