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Some FTB Naive Questions
Saga
Posts: 303 Forumite
I viewed a 1930s semi today.which seems OK. Unfortunately I had to view alone, but it makes little difference because I don't know anyone experienced in buying houses or who could recommend a builder/tradesman to accompany me.
(1) Anyway, would the condensation in these bedroom double-glazed windows ring alarm bells for you and suggest the windows need replacing?
(2) What type of boiler is this? The British Gas sticker on boiler says 2001. From what you can tell (age, type of system) do you think this boiler likely needs replacing?
(3) Are the radiators of a type that are likely to be old and therefore the whole CH system needs replacing?
(4) One light switch looked worse for wear. Would this ring alarm bells for you, i.e. the electrics needing a complete rewire?
I know these are very naive questions, possibly not answerable from the photos, but as I say I am not experienced at all and don't have access to an expert. Thanks for any help you can give.
(1) Anyway, would the condensation in these bedroom double-glazed windows ring alarm bells for you and suggest the windows need replacing?
(2) What type of boiler is this? The British Gas sticker on boiler says 2001. From what you can tell (age, type of system) do you think this boiler likely needs replacing?
(3) Are the radiators of a type that are likely to be old and therefore the whole CH system needs replacing?
(4) One light switch looked worse for wear. Would this ring alarm bells for you, i.e. the electrics needing a complete rewire?
I know these are very naive questions, possibly not answerable from the photos, but as I say I am not experienced at all and don't have access to an expert. Thanks for any help you can give.
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Comments
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The sealed unit has blown. That's just the see-through bit, one pane, not the whole window frame. Easy job, and not expensive.(1) Anyway, would the condensation in these bedroom double-glazed windows ring alarm bells for you and suggest the windows need replacing?
Not a lot you can tell from that...(2) What type of boiler is this? The British Gas sticker on boiler says 2001. From what you can tell (age, type of system) do you think this boiler likely needs replacing?
No, they could be almost any age. The radiators themselves are almost the least important bit of the CH. They're easy to remove for decorating, and easy to replace with at most small modifications to the pipework.(3) Are the radiators of a type that are likely to be old and therefore the whole CH system needs replacing?
But the thermostatic valve is missing the main top bit that actually does the work...
No, it simply says that somebody's been a bit bodgy in their decorating around the switch. Replacing the switch for one that's not covered in paint is trivially easy, and it probably just needs a pair of screws to put it back as it should be.(4) One light switch looked worse for wear. Would this ring alarm bells for you, i.e. the electrics needing a complete rewire?0 -
Moisture between the panes indicates a "blown" unit. Worst case is a new sealed unit (not a window). Not an expensive repair.(1) Anyway, would the condensation in these bedroom double-glazed windows ring alarm bells for you and suggest the windows need replacing?
Well, the sticker would indicate 18 years old so it is getting on a bit. Probably not going to be very reliable at that age and will probably need replacing within 5 years. Get a gas man to check it out.(2) What type of boiler is this? The British Gas sticker on boiler says 2001. From what you can tell (age, type of system) do you think this boiler likely needs replacing?
The rads look reasonably new. Looks like the thermostatic valve head is broken. Straightforward repair. Ask gas man to check at same time as boiler.(3) Are the radiators of a type that are likely to be old and therefore the whole CH system needs replacing?
Cosmetic damage only - tells you nothing about the system. Look at the fuse box for a better idea or get someone who knows what to look for.(4) One light switch looked worse for wear. Would this ring alarm bells for you, i.e. the electrics needing a complete rewire?0 -
Thanks for the quick replies.
What sort of cost should I expect for
(A) repair of blown sealed units in windows? Is this a DIY job?
(B) replacement of boiler?
(C) repair of thermostatic valve head on radiator?
(D) rewiring of electrics?---
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Is that condensation inside the double-glazed unit? Or is it on the inner pane i.e. can you wipe it off? If the latter then that's not an issue, it's just blooming cold outside.would the condensation in these bedroom double-glazed windows ring alarm bells for you and suggest the windows need replacing?0 -
~£50ish, probably. DIYable? Depends on you. Not hard.What sort of cost should I expect for
(A) repair of blown sealed units in windows? Is this a DIY job?
Does it need it? Older boilers are simpler, but less effective.(B) replacement of boiler?
If you can identify the manufacturer, trivially quick and easy, and ~£20ish.(C) repair of thermostatic valve head on radiator?
Does it need it? If you want a "wet-finger" single photo, show us the "fuse box".(D) rewiring of electrics?0 -
Nothing alarming in any of the above.
Except the last sentence where you mistook the security alarm for the fuse board. These often look very different.
It doesn't sound like replacing the glazing is a job you would be able to confidently do (without meaning to sound rude your posts suggest a lot of guidence may be needed) I would recommend getting someone to do that one for you it will probably be quicker even if its a small expense. (Note I also would not attempt to change the glazing & would pay someone)0 -
In terms of replacing the boiler, I've just replaced one from the early '90s with a mid range Worcester-Boch combi to the tune of £3500 (this was in Brighton, though, one of the most expensive places in the country outside of London). It's not a trivial expense, but the nice thing about a boiler replacement is that it's something you will notice and appreciate on a daily basis thereafter. Taking your morning shower is a much different experience, especially in December! There's no need to assume the boiler will need replacing straight away, but if you do go ahead with this house, you'll probably want to keep some cash aside for when it eventually does.0
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