Almost any house of this age will contain several generations' worth of bodges and fixes and papered-over problems. The only question is how well they've been hidden.
I wouldn't let the things here hold you back from a house you like. It's not hard to chuck carpets down, sort out that window frame, etc.
Floor looks fine and yes window looks a bit ineptly done but there are far worse things to have - damp, wood work, structural, roof, electrics, plumbing etc all way more expensive - unless you know your onions you need a survey.
Personal preference. I would consider sanding and sealing the entrance way (and putting down a mat) and getting a runner/carpet for the stairs. The rooms with bare floorboards will probably benefit from a rug at least for sound deadening/insulation/cosiness.
Could it be pipework/wiring (gas/water/drainage/electrics)? I mean it's definitely covering up something but it's probably cosmetic rather than sinister. I'm also curious about the panelled space between windows in the bedroom and living room.
This is normal when new windows are installed but it's usually covered and finished afterwards. If you look at the other windows/doors in all the other rooms they've covered the gap with pine coving. If you like pine coving then this is a workable and inexpensive fix, they probably just forgot to do/didn't get around to the one you've found.
You've said you've lived in the area already so If you liked it then there's no reason to think that will change, I wonder if maybe you're overthinking that aspect because it's a bigger commitment than just renting?
Nothing here looks like a MASSIVE project, definitely not giving me "walk away" vibes assuming it's not priced like a perfectly finished house. Give it a couple of days to sink in, talk to friends/family about it and see how you feel.
Hmm thanks that's a really helpful reply and I'll definitely sleep on it for a few days.
Tbh I never noticed the wood panelling in-between specifically (kind of just assumed it's aesthetic). I've not noticed rising damp or mould but it also looks, for better or worse, newly repainted haha. Would the presumption be that the panelling is to cover structural/ damp issues?
I mean, anything's possible but I suspect the panelling between the windows is a cheap cosmetic choice - it looks older than the new pine. I wonder if it used to be one window where there now is two, or maybe if there were/are shutters there?
These points look quite minor. I assume the house is old probably Victorian. The floorboards look a bit worn but actually not too bad for that age. Accept them as is for their character or put a rug on top. You can be grateful that you have real wooden planks and not chipboard panels like a modern house!
I can’t really see what’s going on with the window but some gaps are to be expected around windows doors skirting etc. this is what filler and caulk is for no big deal
The wood panelling under the sink not sure what that is for perhaps it is hiding some pipe work
If it is Victorian I would be more concerned whether it has rising damp, leaking roof, subsidence, wood rot or very cold due to lack of insulation. Those issues are more significant
Those are sanded floorboards done by an amateur. I’d be putting carpet on that unless you want a big project re-sanding, filling in the gaps with decent filler (not crap expanding foam) and re-staining/varnishing.
Or you could fork out for a whole new wood floor on top, or parquet if you’re not spending shed loads.
Other than that - looks like minor snagging for a property that old. If you like the area, and like the house otherwise, and the surveyor doesn’t find anything structural … go for it? You’ll be there years. Plenty of time to clear it up.
I'd say I'm an enthusiastic decorator (could paint, could do some minor bits) but not someone that wants a big, ongoing project.
Several non-urgent small repairs are fine, a whole house renovation project - not really. On my own as well, so I want to move in and live with less than more effort
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EnormousMycoprotein@reddit
Almost any house of this age will contain several generations' worth of bodges and fixes and papered-over problems. The only question is how well they've been hidden.
I wouldn't let the things here hold you back from a house you like. It's not hard to chuck carpets down, sort out that window frame, etc.
Only you can answer the question about area.
Conscious-Rope7515@reddit
I live in an old house. What's in the photos is normal. Nothing that would put me off buying.
denbunn@reddit
What did the surveyor say?
Polislava@reddit (OP)
I am about to have it surveyed but kind of having second thoughts about proceeding with it (and applicable fees) due to the points above.
genxerrr@reddit
No house is perfect so allow yourself a renovation budget of a few K.
denbunn@reddit
Floor looks fine and yes window looks a bit ineptly done but there are far worse things to have - damp, wood work, structural, roof, electrics, plumbing etc all way more expensive - unless you know your onions you need a survey.
sivaya_@reddit
Surveys will focus on structural stuff and Japanese knotweed. None of this looks structural tbh
Loud_Reach_2156@reddit
Get a quote to fix it and reduce from asking price
huskydaisy@reddit
Nothing here looks like a MASSIVE project, definitely not giving me "walk away" vibes assuming it's not priced like a perfectly finished house. Give it a couple of days to sink in, talk to friends/family about it and see how you feel.
Polislava@reddit (OP)
Hmm thanks that's a really helpful reply and I'll definitely sleep on it for a few days.
Tbh I never noticed the wood panelling in-between specifically (kind of just assumed it's aesthetic). I've not noticed rising damp or mould but it also looks, for better or worse, newly repainted haha. Would the presumption be that the panelling is to cover structural/ damp issues?
huskydaisy@reddit
I mean, anything's possible but I suspect the panelling between the windows is a cheap cosmetic choice - it looks older than the new pine. I wonder if it used to be one window where there now is two, or maybe if there were/are shutters there?
Pedantichrist@reddit
I do not know, but I do know that those little bits do not look like they should sway your decision.
rbbt456@reddit
These points look quite minor. I assume the house is old probably Victorian. The floorboards look a bit worn but actually not too bad for that age. Accept them as is for their character or put a rug on top. You can be grateful that you have real wooden planks and not chipboard panels like a modern house! I can’t really see what’s going on with the window but some gaps are to be expected around windows doors skirting etc. this is what filler and caulk is for no big deal The wood panelling under the sink not sure what that is for perhaps it is hiding some pipe work
If it is Victorian I would be more concerned whether it has rising damp, leaking roof, subsidence, wood rot or very cold due to lack of insulation. Those issues are more significant
size_matters_not@reddit
Those are sanded floorboards done by an amateur. I’d be putting carpet on that unless you want a big project re-sanding, filling in the gaps with decent filler (not crap expanding foam) and re-staining/varnishing.
Or you could fork out for a whole new wood floor on top, or parquet if you’re not spending shed loads.
Other than that - looks like minor snagging for a property that old. If you like the area, and like the house otherwise, and the surveyor doesn’t find anything structural … go for it? You’ll be there years. Plenty of time to clear it up.
bri11111111@reddit
Don't sand it if you buy it. Use steel wool . Go down the grades. It will come up pure sweet. Sanding is not the way
Aggravating-Fig-9274@reddit
I will but you need to take in consideration that the upkeep of the wooden antique floor takes a lot..
EdThePetrolHead@reddit
How hands on are you?
It’s an old house not a show home, and you could make it very attractive with a little effort.
Watch Danny Sandhouse on social Media for some floor inspiration.
What sort of place are you in now?
I’ve love my 170 year old place, lived here 12 years, but it’s never “finished” 😂
Polislava@reddit (OP)
I'd say I'm an enthusiastic decorator (could paint, could do some minor bits) but not someone that wants a big, ongoing project.
Several non-urgent small repairs are fine, a whole house renovation project - not really. On my own as well, so I want to move in and live with less than more effort
EdThePetrolHead@reddit
I’d hire a floor sander, get the floor sanded, oil it, and let it dry then decorate that room before moving in completely.
Then you have one room done that you can live out of and you’re not tripping over your belongings trying to decorate.
Go have another walk round with someone who’s bought there first house in the last 5 years for context and to be sure to be sure.
Dissidant@reddit
Make sure you get a proper mask (respirator) for the sanding
SallyJaneCooper@reddit
How much? What does the rest look like?
Polislava@reddit (OP)
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/174624080
1whoisconcerned@reddit
Depends how much you’re paying for it.
72dk72@reddit
Looks OK to me
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