Part timber-framed old house - mortgageable?

pawpurrs

Harry has changed his post making mine seem odd, stating that is was sub standard construction.

My first timber framed cottage was a peasants cottage and is still standing 400 years old.
I now live in an old hall house which is also timber framed and approx 600 years old.
Sub standard construction, I dont think so, I wouldnt want to place a bet on how many new builds will still be standing and as in as good condtion, in that time frame.;)

I also doubt that there are many craftsmen that could build a house the way they were then.

schmink

The place we are buying may have had an upstairs extension but the front is stone built (it all looks as though it was built at the same time plus its terraced) and just the rear first floor wall is timber framed. We are in Cornwall (PL14) but it scares me to think that it may be "sub standard"!!!! Having said that I am conifdent from posts by others that it will still be standing in many years to come if we ensure we maintain it correctly.:rolleyes:

harryhound

A "Hall House" was owned by the top 5% of society.
If it is timber framed, I'll bet you it is oak, perhaps with some elm. Not matchwood.

The very fact that these properties have survived hundreds of years means they were the "Rolls Royce" standard of their time.

The original poster's purchase has a Victorian front (to show off) and a pine back to economise. It is probably perfectly habitable but not top quality.

Check to see if the slates are "nail sick" or if the slates have been rehung. The original Victorian galvanised nails in areas not exposed to sulphur in coal (industrial) smoke, should be good for 100 or so years. Hopefully the timbers are at least 4" x 2" and well braced, but might be matchwood. If you are thinking of insulating the cavity be sure to install a vapour barrier on the INSIDE of the cavity.
An outside wall that is only 4" thick will always be a bit substandard. (and a complete joke to a government dedicated to saving 80% of its carbon footprint by 2050 - did you spot the flying bacon?)

As it is part of a terrace, how does it compare with the neighbours' houses? If there are signs of slipping slates, there could be lots of work and/or expense for you. If the neighbours have the same set up, knock on their doors and ask them if the design has ever caused them problems (Financially or practically eg mortgage problems or black mould).

Final thought - we now have a credit crunch - mortgage companies are looking for excuses to say NO or to jack up the interest rate.

Harry .

PS West Cornwall is a Radon area?
http://www.ukradon.org/article.php?key=indicativemap
What is the stone? Granite can be notoriously cold. How thick are the solid walls?
Presumably you have done all the checks against the local plan, the flood plan etc. ?
What is the ground floor made of ?
Victorian country renovations can turn into complete money pits.