Buying an old house

[barb1314]

I am buying a Grade 2 listed house which was renovated by builders 6 years ago.Knowing that councils are very very strict about Grade 2 houses do you think we should have a full structural survey done?We were thinking of having a �500 Homebuyers survey (the next step down) not a basic valuation survey.We have always lived in old houses (this one is an old weavers cottage circa 1800) and my philosophy is very much if it's been around this long it's not going anywhere! I just feel the builders will have had to have done a proper job.They did the whole row of 3. Advice much appreciated.

[pug306]

It may not be much help, but, if I were buying a house with Grade 2 listing, and renovations carried out on it, I would firstly consult my solicitor, ask there advice, as they more than likely know the avenues that should have been taken before any work had been carried out. Then I would contact the local Buildings Regulation Council to 1:- see what work can be undertaken for a Grade 2 listed building, 2:- see if the work that has been carried out had to be notified If it had to be notified, and was not, from a grey part in my memory I believe that YOU will be liable for any works that need to carried out. Hope it hasnt put you off but that is what I would do if I were in your position.

Good Luck!

[kwicky]

If the builders did the 3 properties surely your first port of call should be the 2 other neighbours. After 6 years they would know of any faults. With old houses I would have thought concentrating mostly on the damp, subsidence, tiling or wood rot would eliminate 98% of any future problems.

[barb1314]

Thanks Pug and Kwicky...great advice.I think I'm fairly safe with this house as the planning department it is under is one of the strictest around (lots of my friends and my boss has had lots of dealings with them!) I'll certainly do my homework and speak to the neighbours too.Many thanks for answering.