Looking for Structural Problems
There is no substitute for a proper survey, but you can sometimes
see some of the more obvious problems with your own eyes.
Look at the tops of doorframes – are they level? If they slope then there may have been/could still be movement - sometimes serious, sometimes old movement that stopped long ago. Action needed – if the property is otherwise of interest to you, make sure you get professional advice.
Look for old wiring – often the most obvious sign of old wiring will be cloth covered wiring between the ceiling and the light fitting. But sometimes this will have been replaced, while the wires that lead to it may still be original. Action needed - make sure you take advice from a qualified electrician.
Look for cracks – particularly those in exterior walls. Generally speaking particularly if they are more that a few millimetres width then professional advice should be sought. Cracks in ceilings and internal walls could be significant but are less likely to be so than cracks in exterior walls, particularly those below the damp proof course. (+See the article on subsidence). Very often cracks internally (walls and ceilings) are due to thermal movement rather than structural movement. Still, it is always best to take professional advice.
Look at the roof – are there lots of slipped tiled or slates? Is the ridge of the roof even? Take professional advice if in doubt.
Look at any exterior render – if this extends down to the earth instead of stopping a few inches above, then the render may act as a wick and draw dampness up from the earth above the damp proof course, then transfer it to the inside walls.
Look for the damp proof course and assess whether footpaths, driveway or earth breaches this. It might be necessary to cut back an offending footpath etc and form a channel between it and the brickwork.
If buying a flat or apartment – the condition of the roof and other parts of the main structure could be as important to the purchaser of a flat or apartment as it would be to the purchaser of a house. More than likely the obligation to maintain the building will be shared by ALL of the dwellings.
