JO BEHARI

A champion for women in DIY and business, as well as an expert on using space and improving properties

Get a proper survey Before buying a period property, there are a few things to bear in mind. Always pay for a full structural survey. You’ll want to know if the roof is in good condition, if the property is sturdy and if the foundations are OK. Is there any subsidence, or any damp (rising or otherwise)? When you’re viewing, there are things you can look out for. Large cracks going diagonally across a wall (thicker than a hairline) and often wider at the top than at the bottom, could be a sign of subsidence. There is a solution for this – underpinning – but it’s costly and can be a risky endeavour. However, when done correctly by a specialist company, it will probably see your property standing for many more years.

Look out for damp Rising damp often appears as mould and flaking paint in large swathes across the lower parts of the wall. Water marks at the top of the walls tend to be a sign of water coming in from outside, or possibly leaks from internal fittings. Check outside for poor pointing work – where the mortar between the bricks is loose or missing – as this will be letting water in. Broken or blocked guttering could also be a cause of water entering the property. Go into the loft if you have a chance. If it smells damp and you can see daylight, that means you’re likely to need significant roof works.

Budget for repairs Old houses often need electrical and plumbing pipework upgrades. And they’re frequently draughty with ill-fitting windows, so you may want to account for draughtproofing in your financing – or just buy some bigger jumpers! I really love old houses and, for me, the challenges they bring simply add to their charm. Just make sure you’ve got the funds to cover future maintenance.