Period building condition survey.
A structural survey inspection or building condition survey of older home, building or property presents a unique range of potential defects, costs and modernization difficulties that as a home buyer it is paramount to get the best advice before completion of the property purchase. Your chosen building surveyor and their experience in carrying out pre 63 building structural surveys is key to getting this advice & knowledge of period buildings.
Frequently asked questions when buying an older home or period building.
What is a ‘Pre 63 property & what does it mean ?
When a property is termed ‘Pre63’ it refer’s to the original construction date prior to the introduction of the Irish Planning act which was introduced in 1962 / 1963 In Ireland. The planning system run by the local authorities was introduced in 1st October 1964. So if the home or building you are about to purchase pre dates the implementation of the planning laws and has not been altered since by means of a planning permission application it may have unforeseen costs and required changes should you wish to change the building in such a manner that it requires a planning application. Any change to the property will likely mean a substantially stricter planning regime.
What type of defects might be present in an older home or period building?
Depending on how much modernization and maintenance previous owners have carried out on the home or building a summary of the general areas of key concern for the building surveyor
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Building materials & practices of the original construction period
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The condition of structure, masonry, timbers and the envelope, roof etc. during the survey.
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Impact of more recent building refurbishments carried out to the home or building
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Required upgrades to heating and or electrical system
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Drainage
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Early, Medium & long term maintenance with a budget of costs associated
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Energy retention and management for the building
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Consideration if home or building has been let out continuously since 1963 as multi unit apartments or bedsits.
How long does the structural building survey process take?
Initially by contacting our building surveyor team with the property specifics we can provide a fixed fee proposal for the pre purchase inspection of the period building. Once a booking is confirmed with our office the site visit is set up by the building surveyor within 3 – 4 working days ( dependent on the access the vendor or agent can allow us)*
The report of our findings is published to the home buyer within 5 – 6 working days after the site visit has been carried out.
