Hey everyone! I'm about to buy a mid-terrace house from the early 1900s in Stretford, Manchester, and I need your thoughts on some damp problems that have come up. I've had two surveys done, and they flagged several issues, especially concerning damp on the ground floor and some upstairs rooms. Here's what's been pointed out in the reports:
- Rising damp issues noted in most ground floor rooms.
- Dampness around window reveals upstairs, possibly due to condensation or sealing problems.
- Suspended timber floors close to damp walls, which raises concerns about rot.
- The damp-proof course (DPC) appears to be an old mix and might not have clear guarantees.
- Recommendations for a more thorough damp survey, along with potential replastering or drylining.
There are also some other concerns like sloping floors, historical structural movements typical for these houses, outdated electrical and gas systems, and some exterior maintenance needs.
I've linked the survey images and house listing if you're interested in checking them out.
My questions are:
1. Has anyone dealt with damp issues in similar houses? What was your experience?
2. How much should I realistically budget for fixing the damp issues and any necessary repairs?
3. Would you consider these problems a dealbreaker, or are they common for a house of this age in the area?
Thanks for any advice or experiences you can share! I'm trying to stay focused and not go overboard financially.
3 Answers
I totally understand how you're feeling. Depending on how severe the damp is and the state of the floors, this might be a dealbreaker for you. I mean, if the floors are sloping significantly, it might lead to some major renovations, which can get pricey. For £240k, you should be looking for a more sound property. Just fair warning!
Agreed! If it smells musty now, just wait until the winter hits. Damp can lead to bigger issues, so it's crucial to address it before closing the deal.
Older homes can be a mixed bag. While some issues might just be minor annoyances, the dampness is a big red flag. It usually hints at ventilation problems or old moisture issues. If you can bring in a specialist to assess the venting, that would be wise. Fixing damp problems takes time and learning, but mounting mold is no fun either!
Definitely! You might want to look into getting an HVAC pro involved. A well-ventilated house makes a world of difference.
For sure! It's also likely you’ll need to consider mold mitigation if it gets bad.
Honestly, I would think about passing on this house. Water damage can ruin a property fast. In my area, places with these kinds of issues drop in value significantly and it's usually cheaper to get a well-maintained home than to fix up a problematic one. If you're really interested, getting some quotes and renegotiating the price might be needed. It'll add up to thousands for repairs!
Right on! I once bought a fixer-upper and it turned into a money pit. Take it from me, it’s not worth it.
Exactly! It's tough to walk away from a place you like, but there are more options out there that won't come with major headaches.
Yeah, if you have to gut the place to fix things, you might end up spending way more than you intended.