Viewing on a property from 1800

Lifeplusdribble

Hi all - new to MSE and hoping to crowdsource some intel.

My husband and I are moving on from our first house together and tomorrow we have a viewing on a property which ticks most of our boxes on the wishlist, with huge potential to develop and turn the property into something which meets all the requirements. Great stuff.

The property was build in 1800, it isn't in a conservation area and there are no covenants on the land. What should we be looking out for/asking questions about to get better informed on such an old property? The house we are selling is only 30 years old, so we've no comparison to make and would welcome some advice on common problems/things to consider when thinking about buying a house built in 1800.

Does anybody know where I can find further information on what 'original' features I could look out for? I'm not sure what a 'typical style' from the period was.

Welcoming any and all advice.

Thanks in advance.

Doozergirl

I am in the process of renovating an early 1800s house.

It was in superb condition on the surface. Then the previous owners moved out.

It's a very grand house but £500,000 of building work, most of it essential. I kid you not.

All old houses are a labour of love. As soon as one thing is fixed, another will go unless you have a VERY recent refurb on your hands.

My SILs house is 1820, that also looked in pretty good condition and had a lot of work done before they bought. They've spent something like £60k in 10 years and they are not keeping up with the maintenance demands. Again, a very big house, but things deteriorate quite quickly.

If it is listed, everything is more expensive.

The Period is the Georgian Period. Google Georgian Architecture. My very favourite period; high ceilings, symmetry, delicate glass, six panel doors, fan lights, sash windows with georgian bars, refined features. Solid walls, sometimes single skinned, no foundations to speak of. In theory they shouldn't be standing, but they are stunning.

G_M

Nip down the library and borrow books on
* buying property
* renovating property
* surveying property

etc

You should find a book that will step you through what to look for, from the top of the roof, down to the foundations.

Not rockt science. Most of it is about being observant, knowing where to look, and using common sense.