Buying a house that needs renovation

Thinking of buying a home, but the prices of new builds are too high for your budget? Don't worry because you can consider the option of buying an older property which you can then renovate according to your needs and preferences. This way you can have the home of your dreams at a lower cost, while saving the excess value if you were to buy it fully renovated.

However, to avoid any unpleasant surprises before you buy a property that needs renovation, it would be a good idea to do some organized market research and pay attention to certain things. In particular:

Possible existence of arbitrary acts

When someone wants to buy a property, they should always check if everything is legal (e.g., unauthorized semi-open spaces). A civil engineer can check if there are any arbitrary acts, because after the contracts have been signed, you will have to bear the fines for legalization.

If the property is not in order, you will have to pay the fees

Create a picture in your mind of how you would like your new home to look like both aesthetically and functionally. How many bedrooms and how many bathrooms do you need? Do the living room, kitchen and bathroom have adequate space or is there room for expansion? A civil engineer can assess the situation and suggest changes to the masonry layout without affecting the structural integrity of the building. Note that depending on what you decide, a different type of renovation permit is required.

Pricing and duration of renovation

Since the financial issue is of great importance, especially nowadays, it is good to know what to expect. Do some market research or contact a specialist engineer who undertakes renovations to give you a quote for both the cost and timing of work. Expect that there will be a certain margin of tolerance in terms of the materials you choose.

A partial renovation of a 100 sqm house starts from one week (e.g. painting) and for a total renovation it can take more than three months, depending always on the technical work, what individual problems arise and the contractor who will take over.

Choosing the right professional

It goes without saying that the most important role in a home renovation is played by the contractor you choose to complete the technical work. At Spitogatos you can find experienced professionals to advise you and estimate the cost and duration of the renovation. Good communication and trust are essential for such work. Don't forget to ask to see previous projects they have completed.

Technical issues in relation to the renovation

In general, if you want to start a renovation in your new property, you should be aware of some technical issues, such as:

• Whether there are dampnesses in the property due to either internal or external factors. This means that there may be leaks inside the apartment or from neighboring apartments, so for the necessary repair work you should consult with your neighbors!
• Where the bathroom drain is located, if for example you are thinking of moving the basin or installing a fitted basin.
• Where electricity, water, gas and TV, Internet are located and to what extent the crew can intervene.

How recent is the electrical installation?

Thanks to new technologies, the 'smart' home is now a reality. A "smart" house can control household appliances, lighting, and heating, ensuring energy savings, safety and quality of life for apartment dwellers. This, however, requires a modern electrical installation that can respond perfectly to the new applications.

• What heating system does the house have and what do you want to implement? For example, there is access to the gas network, can you install an individual unit with underfloor heating?
• Have works been done for external thermal insulation both in walls and in the attic if it is a 1st floor apartment. Is it possible to access all external walls?
• What is the condition of the lift and whether there is access for transporting waste materials?

New climate law

In addition, under the new climate law for buildings it is mentioned that:

• From 2023 it will be prohibited to install oil burners where there is a gas network
• From 2025, the installation of oil burners is generally prohibited in new buildings
• From 2030, the use of oil burners is prohibited in all buildings in general.

Tip: After a partial or general renovation, if your house has been upgraded to an energy class, you will need a new energy certificate. At Spitogatos you'll find professionals to help you get it issued easily, quickly, and economically!

Finally, before you decide, make sure you work through the above criteria with due diligence so that you can come out of it a winner and not regret it down the road!