What to Look Out for if you Buy an Older Property

There are lots of properties in the UK that are on the older side – from the post war houses built in the aftermath of the second world war, to Victorian townhouses to older properties dating back to the Tudor times, many people are attracted to living in a house that has a lot of history.

Although these older properties are often full of character and beautiful features, they also may come with some problems, and it is wise to be aware of the things that you may need to do if you are considering moving into a property that is on the older side. Here are some of the things to look out for…

Asbestos – Nowadays the risks of asbestos are well known, however this is a fairly recent occurrence and many of the homes in the UK will still have asbestos in them in various places, as it was once a popular building material as it insulated the property well.

If you have asbestos in a property, it is not a problem unless it is broken but you should have it removed by a professional if you have concerns about it.

Damp – This is a problem in many older buildings, especially in the UK which is a damp country at the best of times! Lack of ventilation and leaks are two big causes of damp, and it is definitely something that needs to be dealt with as it can cause damage to the building and damage to your health.

Roofing – Roofs that are on the older side will have been subjected to many years of storms, as well as UV light, so it is always a good idea to check the roof for signs of damage as it may need to be repaired or even fully replaced.

Windows and Doors – Some doors and windows in older properties haven’t been replaced for many years, and this can lead to security risks, damp and a lack of insulation. Get a professional like this Tewkesbury double glazing company www.firmfix.co.uk to replace them with more modern doors and windows if they are outdated.

Heating – Another thing to check in an older property is the heating system. It may be that it hasn’t been updated for many years and this can be dangerous in some cases, as well as being unreliable and inefficient.