Hello everyone, I am Renova.

If you are able to preview and purchase a second-hand house or condominium that you are happy with, it is possible to preview and plan renovations even after the contract has been signed but before delivery!

In this article, we summarise what you should do about some of these issues.

Keep an eye on each width

It is important to look at the width of the doorway and the width for large appliances such as washing machines.

Especially for appliance systems, if you know in advance, you will not panic when it comes time to think about the layout.

If you already have a renovation simulation, check it against it.

I often use Home by me, but if you have already created one, check again that there were no deviations from the actual width or errors in recognition.

If the floor plan is based on a floor plan given to you by a contractor, it may be incorrect or out of date, so it is important to check that you are aware of what you have created, to avoid having to redo the renovation in the future.

Especially!

Check ceiling height

Ceiling heights, for example, are detailed items that are not mentioned in floor plans, so it is important to measure them with a tape measure!

Save the video

You may have already taken a video of some parts of the preview,

In the meantime, take the video again.

Modelling with the help of 3D applications

Especially if you have an iPhone pro series with LiDAR in it!

It can scan 3D with a high degree of accuracy!

Identify critical areas and prioritise work

Whether it is a serious illness and how much money specifically should be spent where.

If you're on a budget, you need to look at it!

Structural integrity of the building

During a viewing, the first thing to check is the structural strength of the building. Specifically, the following points should be checked

• Foundations: check foundations for cracks and settlement.
• Exterior walls: check for cracks and peeling and the condition of insulation.
• Roof: check for leaks and defects. Particular attention should be paid to older houses for signs of leaks.

Condition of the water supply

A key area where renovation costs can vary significantly is the water supply. Leaks and dilapidations are particularly costly to repair.

• Kitchen and bathroom pipework: visually check for deterioration and rust.
• Mould: check for mould in damp areas, especially in bathrooms and washrooms.
• Water pressure: Turn on the tap and check if the water pressure is normal. Problems with water pipes can be costly to repair.

Checking the electrical system

The electrical system is another area that needs attention during renovations.

• Electrical panel: Ensure that the switchboard is up-to-date. Older switchboards may present safety issues and require electrical work.
• Position and number of electrical outlets: consider whether there are sufficient numbers of electrical outlets in the required locations or whether these need to be added in the renovation.

Insulation performance and ventilation conditions

Good insulation and ventilation have a significant impact on living comfort and utility costs.

• Insulation of windows and doors: Is the window single glazed or double glazed? Also check for drafts.
• Ventilation status: check for ventilation systems in rooms, toilets and kitchens that are particularly prone to dampness.

Possibility of changing the floor plan

When considering self-renovation, it is important to know whether it is possible to change the layout of the house.

• Check seismic walls: If you wish to change the floor plan, you need to know which walls are seismic walls. Breaking seismic walls will affect the strength of the building, so expert advice is required.
• Ceiling height: If you want to open up the ceiling to create a larger space, also consider whether this is structurally possible.

Open a window to check the line of sight

Check the line of sight of the windows and what kind of view you want, if there is room. Eye level is also important if the building faces a neighbourhood with many residents and one street.

Don't overlook hidden costs

During the inspection, it is important to anticipate not only surface issues, but also hidden costs that may arise later.

• White ant damage: It is important to have a professional survey for white ant damage, especially in wooden houses.
• Hidden damage: a professional inspection is required to check for problems under the floor and in the ceiling.

Checking the surrounding environment

Check not only the building, but also the surroundings in which the house is located.

• Noise levels: It is important to actually experience the traffic and neighbourhood noise levels.
• Sunlight and ventilation: Sunlight and ventilation depend on the direction of the site and its position in relation to surrounding buildings. Additional windows may need to be added during renovation.

checklist of things to keep

• Architect (if required.)
• Home inspector person (if required.)
• Measure (both long and short ones are good to have)
• leveler
• Military gloves (to be used when touching the frame with bare hands in older properties such as vacant houses).
• clothes that can get dirty
• Plastic bottles from which water can be taken home (if there are concerns about the water supply, water quality testing could be carried out, etc.)
• Light bulbs (if electrified, can be checked)
• Contracts and documents you have already received.
• If you have any notes or other information that you want to check yourself

Conclusion

How was the article?

By keeping in mind the points to check during the inspection, renovation costs and problems that may arise later can be minimised. Make sure you are well prepared, taking into account not only the condition of the building, but also the surrounding environment and whether renovations can be adapted to your future plans.

I half wrote this for myself, but I hope it will be of help to someone else.

See you in another article.

If you are interested in DIY, please click here to find other articles and more.

Well, then!