7 most common problems in old detached houses - these are the things to fix in time
Buying an old detached house is a dream of many people looking for a new home, and the best way to make the project a success is to plan ahead and do the groundwork well. When buying an old detached house, it's worth getting to know the property well and making a renovation budget that makes it easy to keep track of your spending. On this site you can read more about the most common technical problems with old detached houses and plan ahead for the repairs you need to make.
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One of the most important things to check in an old house is the drainage system. If the drains are missing or not working properly, the foundations of the house can suffer from moisture problems. When buying an older house, it's a good idea to start by checking the drains. At the same time, the rainwater system should be upgraded if necessary. You can test how well the drains are working by running water into the top inspection well and checking that no water is collecting in the drainage system. Old drains can also be flushed to improve their performance, but this may not be a long-term solution. The best way to find out the overall condition of the drainage system is to take pictures. The inspection should take into account the type of soil around the house and whether there is any vegetation on the wall. It is also worth checking whether the ground at the side of the house slopes towards or away from the house. You should also check the condition of the drainage pipes, the dam plates and the damp-proofing.
Insulation
The insulation of an old house should be checked and, if necessary, replaced with modern insulation. In old houses, the thermal insulation is often made of wood shavings, which not only compresses over time but is also highly susceptible to moisture and mould growth. When renovating, it is therefore always a good idea to remove the old insulation and replace it with new insulation. Proper insulation not only prevents moisture damage, but also keeps heat in better and reduces electricity costs.
Ventilation
Many older private homes suffer from inadequate ventilation, which should be checked and repaired as soon as possible to avoid moisture damage. Ventilation is important for the roof, the facade and the foundation. Ventilation of the crawlspace below the roof is important to keep roof structures dry. Ventilation can be improved by adding vents or negative pressure ventilators. A particular problem with ventilation of the façade is that the building has exhaust air ducts, but the replacement air is not ducted but comes through the structures. Rising ground levels over the years may prevent ventilation of the garbage dome. If the house does not have a raised floor and a ventilated crawl space, but is built on a slab of earth, the potential for moisture damage is increased and the structures should be checked.
Wet rooms
Another problem in old houses is often poorly installed wet room structures. In some old houses, wet rooms have been retrofitted in the basement without the necessary damp-proofing and ventilation. These should be checked quickly and brought up to today's standards. When renovating bathrooms or building new ones, it should be borne in mind that old wooden buildings are alive and that humidity causes wooden structures to expand and contract. The key is to add adequate waterproofing and ensure ventilation. A shower cubicle reduces the amount of moisture in the room air and prevents moisture damage. In addition, it is nowadays recommended to leave the pipes exposed on the wall surface, which makes it much easier to detect any damage.
Roof structures
A leaking or otherwise poorly functioning roof is one of the biggest problems in old houses. The roof may have broken, allowing water to leak into the crawl space. Water or snow can also enter the crawl space through broken or defective eaves or leaking details. The roof may also have had various penetrations, such as vents or skylights, which were not adequately sealed during installation, allowing moisture to enter the structure. An old, incorrectly installed flat roof or a gable roof installed later on top of a flat roof can also cause moisture damage. Replacing the roof to up-to-date standards can significantly extend the life of the house and avoid potential damage altogether.
Old pipelines
If the house you are buying still has its original plumbing, it is very important to assess its actual condition. It is often not possible to reliably assess the condition of the piping from the top, as most of it is hidden inside the structure. Very often the inside of the pipework is in a poorer condition than one might expect from the surface.
In particular, if the pipework is more than 35 years old or the material is known to be old cast iron or concrete, a sewer survey should be carried out to determine the timeframe for pipe rehabilitation. Timing is important, as water damage can be prevented by carrying out pipe repairs in good time. In the event of water damage, structures may have to be demolished and replaced, and insurance may not cover water damage if the condition of the plumbing is not assessed in time.
Do-it-yourself electrical connections
Old houses often have the most amazing electrical wiring, even life-threatening wiring. In old houses, the electrical wiring itself can also be a risk, as the wiring becomes oxidised and brittle over time. The electricity in old houses is also not designed to cope with today's array of smart devices and gadgets. Often, the electrical panel and amperage is adequate, but it's a good idea to have a professional assess whether the old centre needs to be completely replaced. The electricity in houses from the 1950s and older, in particular, has already reached the end of its useful life. In the event of electrical damage, it is important that the electricity is properly maintained. For example, if the electricity has been on the fritz for a long time and there has been a small fire, and the resident has not called in an authorised electrician to fix the problem, the insurance company may not cover the damage.
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