Imagine a completely empty space where you could do whatever you want to build the house of your dreams. That is one of the advantages of buying an old house or one that needs renovation.
Buying a house to renovate can add an extra element of enjoyment, especially if you like interior design and decoration. It can also help you get a discount on the price if you are able to budget well what the work will cost and negotiate with the seller.
The mortgage? There are special mortgages on the market for buying a house and renovating it , which add the cost of the works to the loan. This way you can enjoy a 2-in-1 deal that will save you money compared to a traditional loan for works.
But before you get to the mortgage, there are a number of tips you should follow to make that extra chapter in the purchase of your house to renovate a dream come true. The key to everything? Avoiding the surprises that these types of homes can bring and that will not come to light until the renovation begins. Let's take a look at them!
Check the facilities carefully
During the visit , check that everything is working properly , especially the electrical system and plumbing. The first test will be to turn on and off all the lights in the house.
Do the same with the taps in the house. This will help you detect problems with water pressure, which are common in older homes.
If you can, also ask about the position of the downpipes, which will help you know what options you have if you need an additional bathroom or want to change the layout of the current one.
And the structure of the house, especially the humidity
Take a good look at the walls and look for possible cracks and dampness. If the house is old, it is normal for there to be several. When you find them, ask about them to find out their origin. In addition to helping you negotiate the price, it will allow you to better estimate the type of renovation you will need to carry out.
Sometimes a coat of paint will be enough, and other times it will be necessary to go further. Be especially careful with damp spots, because they are more expensive to fix and often you won't be able to get rid of them at first.
Don't forget the common areas
It's not that you're going to renovate them, but if you're thinking of buying a house to renovate or an old house, it's most likely that the building will be old as well.
Does it have an elevator? How old is it? Are there any planned levies? What maintenance and conservation work is done and when was the last one? These questions will ensure that your monthly budget does not shake due to possible levies.
And of course, beyond asking, check carefully on your own the condition of these common areas.
Ask for a floor plan of the house
If the advert already indicates that the property is to be renovated, you can go ahead and request a plan of the property with its original structure. In fact, it would be ideal to request the technical plan of the qualities and the specifications.
In this document you will be able to see the original structure of the house and the quality of the materials. Thanks to it you will have a clearer idea of what you can and cannot do with the house, where the load-bearing walls and pillars are. In other words, which walls you will be able to remove and which ones you will have to keep.
Ask about local and community regulations
Did you know that there are buildings in the city whose exterior cannot be touched? This is common in old houses and in the city centre. They are second-hand homes where, for example, you cannot change the windows or you will have to follow the instructions of the City Council to do so.
Something similar happens with community rules. Whenever you buy a house to renovate, ask about them to find out what aesthetic changes you can make and also what works are allowed inside the house. There are communities of neighbours that prohibit, for example, changing the layout of the house (knocking down walls, even if they are not load-bearing) without the consent of the community.
Energy certification and housing quality
Nowadays, it is mandatory to be given an energy certificate for the property when buying an old or new house. This document will inform you of important things such as the thermal envelope and lighting installations.
This way you will be able to find out the specific insulation of the house and how efficient it is. Typically, in homes that need to be renovated, these elements are deficient or, at least, old and in need of improvement.
Choosing an energy-efficient home will help you save money in the long term. Improving thermal insulation is one of the best ways to reduce heating and air conditioning costs, which pays off in the long run.
If you also take advantage of the opportunity to improve electrical efficiency with home automation systems, the gains will be even greater. To make things easier for you, there are green mortgages on the market that offer better conditions for the purchase of efficient homes and also for the purchase and renovation that improves the energy efficiency of the home.
What about the noise? Ask about it
No one wants to buy a house only to find out that they can't live in it because of the noise. Insulating your home is one of the best investments you can make in an old house, especially in the bedrooms.
This is one of those renovations that you should do before you move in, so don't hesitate to ask. When doing so, also check the free height of the home so as not to have any problems when installing a false ceiling for the installation of light or air conditioning.
It is best to do this work before you move in, as well as sanding the floors if they are parquet or painting. In fact, even if the renovation of the house is reduced to these three things, it is advisable to finish them before you move in because, if not, it will be more expensive and cumbersome later, if only because of the furniture.
Beyond these reforms, don't forget that there are other elements that you should consider when buying a second-hand old flat. In this article we will show you the 9 most important ones.