A Wise Purchase: Understanding the Impact of a House's Age on Your Wallet
Contemplating the Year During Home Purchasing Decisions
Purchasing a used property isn't just about choosing between a charming old charmer or a sleek modern dwelling. The year it was built plays a significant role, too. Certain structural issues tend to crop up in specific age groups, leading to hefty renovation costs for unsuspecting buyers. Here's what you need to watch out for and how to make a smart buying decision.
Is a house built before World War I a safe bet?
While these houses were built to last, they were often designed without much regard for building physics. Areas like thermal insulation, sound insulation, and cellar sealing were practically an afterthought. Add to that outdated heating, water, wastewater, and electrical systems, and you've got a renovation project on your hands if you opt for a Gründerzeit-era home. However, many owners have gradually updated their properties, so some houses in this age group may already meet modern standards.
Houses before World War II: Simpler but Still Problematic
Post-Gründerzeit homes were more simplistic in design and less representative. The Bauhaus idea of clean lines and narrow walls was the order of the day. However, that simplicity came at a cost, as thermal and sound insulation were once again neglected, along with proper flat roof construction.
War-Time Houses: Unforeseen Surprises Await
Houses built immediately after the war suffered from a lack of high-quality materials, as construction debris was often used during the immediate reconstruction. Over time, these hastily put-together structures have started to show their age, with cracks, leaks, and dilapidated sanitary installations common issues.
Houses From the 1950s to 1970: Mixed Quality
Though these houses fare better in terms of building substance, the same caveats apply regarding insulation and structurally problematic flat roofs. Additionally, the increased use of asbestos during this time means that many houses from this era still contain this hazardous material.
Post-1980 Houses: Harbingers of Energy Efficiency
These houses are generally more energy-efficient, sporting good insulation standards, efficient heating systems, and modern sanitary and electrical installations. Physically renovating one of these homes shouldn't be too costly, making them a solid choice in terms of long-term financial stability.
Necessary Documents for All
Regardless of the age of the property, buyers should always request an energy certificate for insight into the energy condition of the house. Ideally, they should also have access to the complete building file, which should include the building permit. Lacking these documents means a visit to the building authority is in order to avoid any future complications.
Dealing with High Renovation Costs
Structural issues in older houses, as well as the use of hazardous substances, can make them financially unfeasible to renovate. Any signs of a damaged foundation, rot, pests, or even seemingly minor cracks could sink your investment. Replacing an outdated heating system or updating the sanitary and electrical installations can also prove costly.
Before making a purchase, it's always a good idea to consult an independent expert. They'll help you determine which measures to take, as well as the financial implications of your decision.
- The community policy might recommend negotiating with the homeowner for a renewing of the building's faulty insulation, as defects like poor thermal and sound insulation are common in houses built before World War I.
- Employment policy regarding home-improvement jobs could be crucial if you're planning to invest in a war-time house, as the unforeseen surprises with cracks, leaks, and dilapidated sanitary installations might necessitate hiring skilled labor.
- In the housing-market, the finance department of your chosen real estate company should provide detailed information about houses from the 1950s to 1970, as the increased use of asbestos requires special handling during renovations, affecting the overall cost of the project.
- The home-and-garden section of your local lifestyle magazine could offer valuable tips on maintaining and modernizing Gründerzeit-era buildings, providing insights into the outdated heating, water, wastewater, and electrical systems that characterize these houses.
- When considering a post-1980 house, employment policy in the finance industry might be more about understanding the long-term financial benefits of a property with good insulation standards, efficient heating systems, and modern installations, as compared to the high renovation costs of older houses.
- Before signing the purchase papers, it's essential to review the house's complete building file, including the building permit, to ensure compliance with local employment policies and regulations regarding housing standards.
