Saving Money: Keep an Eye on the Construct Year When Purchasing a Home
Know the Red Flags - Even for Older Homes
When Contemplating a Home Purchase, Take the Year's Age into Account
In your quest for a property, always remember to check the construction year. This critical information can help you predict potential issues that may lead to costly renovations down the line.
Is an Early 1900s Home Still a Wise Investment?
Specialist author, Peter Burk, opines that houses built pre-World War I have sturdy constructions and remained popular. However, they were often decorated beautifully without much understanding of building physics at the time. As a result, areas like heat insulation, sound insulation, and basement sealing were overlooked during construction. Furthermore, the building technology infrastructure like heating, plumbing, and electrical systems was underdeveloped.
Yet, many owners have renovated their old homes over the years, addressing issues related to windows, roofing, plastering, fireplaces, and chimneys. So, there's always hope that a well-preserved house from this era will have kept its charm without breaking the bank on upgrades.
Houses Built Between World Wars - Things to Consider
Following the Grunderzeit, buildings took on simpler styles, mirroring the Bauhaus idea with clear lines, narrow walls, single glazing. Although no building chemicals were used at the time, these houses have inadequate heat and sound insulation. Roof concerns, especially for flat roofs, are common, especially if they've been improperly executed.
Post-World War II Homes - Possible Unseen Challenges
Purchasing a house built immediately after the war until the 1950s may come with surprises. Materials from construction debris were often used during reconstruction, making the quality questionable. Edelhäuser from the Bavarian Chamber of Engineers – Building mentions examples like contaminated sands or fire-damaged masonry blocks.
Houses Erected in the 1950s to 1970s - What to Look Out For
In terms of building substance, these houses are relatively robust. However, heat and sound insulation were only considered from the late 1970s. Heating transitioned from coal to oil, and flat roofs fitted with plastic membranes could develop leaks over time. Corinna Kodim from Haus & Grund also warns about damaged pipes that can let water seep into the masonry through the years. Furthermore, asbestos and hazardous wood preservatives were used in significant quantities during this period.
Houses from the 1980s - Potential Environmental Concerns
These houses might contain asbestos, with the substance only being banned in 1993. Additionally, they may have mineral wool in roof insulation, formaldehyde-containing components, and hazardous wood preservatives used in ceiling and wall cladding. These elements can produce costly renovation expenses. Old sanitation installations are also often decrepit.
Modern Post-2000 Homes - A Sensible Choice?
These houses generally have good insulation standards, efficient heating, well-designed ventilation concepts, and modern sanitation and electrical installations. They can be adapted for a sustainable future with reasonable investments like installing eco-friendly heating systems, a photovoltaic system, and a solar thermal system.
Important Documents to Request
Edelhäuser highlights the energy certificate as vital since it provides details about the home's energy status, recommendations, and mandatory improvements. Ideally, buyers should access the complete building file for transparency. The file should contain the building permit. If these documents are unavailable, visiting the building authority to verify the property's history is recommended.
Expensive Defects in the Building
The energy status of a home is manageable to improve. However, if the building substance is neglected or numerous harmful substances have been used, it may not be economically viable to invest in such property. Kodim cautions about major defects, such as compromising structural cracks, dry rot, and pest infestation, that can render a home uninhabitable. Replacing an obsolete heating system and updating sanitation and electrical installations can be costly.
In Conclusion...
Older homes are often attractive due to their endearing character, prime locations, and well-established infrastructure. Still, these houses have quirks that buyers should scrutinize. To make an informed decision, it's wise to consult an independent expert to discuss necessary measures and the financial implications of the purchase.
- The community policy should address potential weaknesses in the guidelines for purchasing older homes, considering the various construction years and their associated red flags.
- Investing in a home-improvement project for a Bauhaus-style house built between the World Wars may require additional attention to aspects like heat and sound insulation and roof concerns.
- With an eye on finance, it's crucial to be aware of the use of preservatives, such as asbestos and hazardous wood preservatives, in houses from the 1950s to the 1970s, as these may lead to costly renovation expenses.
- For those interested in a lifestyle change centered on home-and-garden projects, houses erected in the 1980s might offer unique challenges, including the presence of mineral wool, formaldehyde-containing components, and obsolete sanitation installations.
- When evaluating a property in the housing market, focusing on modern post-2000 homes can ensure insulation standards, efficient heating, and eco-friendly renovation options, making them a sensible choice for environmentally conscious buyers.
- In the process of purchasing a property, acquiring important documents, such as the energy certificate, building permit, and complete building file, is essential for transparency and understanding potential hidden costs, like expensive defects in the building or outdated installations.
