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May 29, 2018 By Chiltern Associates

Buying a Historic Property – Case Study

DeVere House

DeVere House

Whilst we survey all kinds of property from commercial buildings to first time purchase flats and homes, new builds and “doer uppers” our Historic property expert, Nina Robinson often gets called out to look at some stunning and very old houses. For many people the dream of owning a listed or historic home is a big one, something they may have been hanging on to for years, but when the time finally comes to go for it it is important they are prepared. Owning an old house is wonderful, the sense of stewardship can be very fulfilling but it can also be challenging. It is important to go into a purchase with your eyes open as this case study shows.

CASE STUDY

Chiltern Associates carried out a building survey on a 1650 property in Hadleigh. As a result of a thorough examination of each element various defects were uncovered including:

  • Concealed damage to front sole plate
  • Hard render rather than lime render which does not permit the walls to breath
  • Damp issues with flooring to be improved with better ventilation and a wood burner rather than ripping up the floor
  • Damp treatment via a French drain around the outside wall rather than an inappropriate modern DPC plus removal; also removal of bitumen paint allowing the walls to breath

Each of these items were confirmed by the Historic Building Company as being the best solution to naturally deal with the problems of a listed historic property

The client was very pleased with the work Nina undertook:

‘We hope to complete in the new year, and look forward to setting about this project, most likely with the builder’s help’

Historic Building Problems

The list of issues with the property were not as long as some but for people looking to make their first move into a listed building it may come as a surprise how much often needs to be done. It is critical that buyers consult an expert surveyor like Nina when it comes to historic buildings. This is because the issues and materials are all unique to this type of building and a less experienced surveyor may miss something that could be very costly at a later date.

Repairs

Thanks to the initial survey the buyer was made aware of all these issues. We then put them in touch with a trusted contractor and historic expert to get some idea of the cost of repair. The buyer now has a full “ball park” quote around the repair work so can move ahead with the purchase.

It is at this point that some people make the sad choice to pull out of the purchase. It is never an easy thing to do for anyone involved but it is so important that they had the information available to make a proper informed decision. Buying a property only to find out it needs tens of thousands of pounds worth of work when there is no budget to do so can cause enormous problems, stress and financial issues. Buying a listed building without knowing the full picture or getting an expert to do a full survey can be very dangerous.

If you would like to discuss a potential historic building purchase then please get in touch today. we can help make sure you know exactly what you are getting into and how best to approach it.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Historic Buildings

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4.8/5.0 based on 11 Reviews

Testimonials

‘When I contacted Nina for some advice regarding an issue I was having with a valuation report that had been carried out by another Surveyor on my property, she was quick to respond and very helpful with her comments. When I asked her if she could produce a new valuation report at short notice to replace the first one, she had no hesitation in assisting me and worked around the clock to turn aro… Read more
Thank you so much for this, hope everything is ok with you. We have really appreciate all your time and hard work helping my parents to find a home. All the best.
We were very pleased with the efficiency and quality of the historic building survey prepared by Chiltern Associates for our 17C cottage in Hadleigh. It enabled us to proceed with the purchase with our “eyes open” to the work that will be required. Following Chiltern Associates suggestion, prior to exchange, we also sought advice from a builder experienced with timber framed houses. This review co… Read more
Yes survey all very satisfactory  – thanks again. We are proceeding with the purchase  – but still await the final answers on the searches . Hopefully soon completed and we can exchange/complete. So VERY many thanks for a job well done.
Your report was thorough and helpful. I have been getting quotes for essential works. Many thanks for your help
Dear Nina, Just a quick email to notify that purchase of 2 Nunns Mill Terrace was completed and we moved in 2 weeks ago. All the significant items identified in your snagging report were addressed to our satisfaction and none required clarification. Many thanks for your help. Best regards Smail June 2018
I thought Nina Robinson of Chiltern Associates was excellent- prompt, very professional and thorough. I wouldn’t have any hesitation in using her again or in recommending her to others. Her report was extremely good-detailed, with photos and recommendations for action. She also did some research and gave advice on the value of the property, bearing in mind its condition and sales of comparable p… Read more
Jennie
Many thanks for a very complete report which I have now forwarded to my legal advisor
Greg Peck, National Procurement Manager at National Firm of commercial agents
Many thanks for this and your services, it’s been a pleasure. 2017
‘Thank you very much for your very detailed report. We have taken on board all your concerns and will apply ourselves to put them all right once we move in. Again, we thank you for your time and knowledge.” July 2019

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