Victorian house Life in years

sarah_id1

I got the chance to meet my surveyor on site for the 1880 Mid Terrace victorian house(East London) I plan to buy. He pointed out few issues and estimated cost. Although there is no serious issue like subsidence or cracks etc but his comment was "You need to appreciate the fact that this is very old house house so as time goes it with deteriorate". I dont understand how do I understand this statement. How much life should I expect in this 120 yr old victorian house?

>Does local council play any role in time to time advising about such issue
>Do council suggest the house is unsafe to live and if so do they extend any help!
>Is Insurance company of any help!


Thanks,
Sarah

diable

It depends on where it is built as it might suffer from inadequate foundations and the bay windows may be hung of the front but I would rather live in a 130 year old house then one built in the last 20 years. You may suffer from condensation and other issues but.......... others can answer this

neverdespairgirl

No definite life. It'll need work doing from time to time, like any house will.

My parents' house was built in 1320, and is still standing!

jonewer

The victorians built things to last.

There will be issues now and again but I feel safer in my 1884 semi than I would in a 1974, 1984, 1994 or 2004 semi, thats for sure.

diable

neverdespairgirl wrote: »

No definite life. It'll need work doing from time to time, like any house will.

My parents' house was built in 1320, and is still standing!

Fcuk the heating bills.............

jonewer

This one needs a bit of re-plastering.

Then again it is almost TWO THOUSAND YEARS OLD!

G_M

It's less an issue of 'life expectancy' and more an issue of maintenance.

A house that's lasted that long should just go on. Unless a lorry/plane etc crashes into it, no reason for anything drastic to occur. But old houses need maintaining. The pointing (cement between the bricks) wears down and needs renewing (every 30 years? - depends on weather etc). The roof tiles may need replacing (every 50 years?). And of course inside will need updatimg (no inside loo, no running water, no insulation etc etc).

Now, much of this may have been done. Owners update/maintaing their houses periodically...... that's why you have a survey doen - to find out what needs doing.

No, the council plays no part. This is your house and your responsibility! Their only role is to ensure that significant work you undertake is done to modern standards (Building Regulations) and any extensions (converting that outside loo into a two floor kitchen/bedroom at the back!) have Planning Permission.

diable

repointing about 80 years roof 80 years as well, the owners about every 30 years.............

Eton_Rifle

I'm another one with a 14th Century house and it's just a question of a serious maintenance commitment.
Actually, a lot of it is a bit like Grandad's Axe now!

diable

Eton_Rifle wrote: »

I'm another one with a 14th Century house and it's just a question of a serious maintenance commitment.
Actually, a lot of it is a bit like Grandad's Axe now!

Granddads Axe? Is that like the soggy biscuit at boarding school?

Auntie-Dolly

3 new heads & 2 new handles?