2nd viewing doer-upper - what should we be looking for?

[threeleftfeet]

It's a 60s semi (end of terrace).

What should we be looking for on a second viewing?

TIA :)

[threeleftfeet]

Or, perhaps I should say, what are the pitfalls / really expensive jobs I should be looking out for?!

[fussychica]

Heating/electrics both expensive if need replacing/upgrading. If it has a back boiler with gas fire you might not be able to retain the system and replace just the fire. Drains but you won't know that until survey stage. Woodwork - windows,bargeboards etc.

[oscarwilde]

Quite often its not the cost of the work, its all the stuff that you add on because it makes sense to do it at the same time.
Any damp get checked out. If you need to replace the downstairs joists it gets really expensive.
A full replumb and rewire could set you back £20k incl new boiler.
A roof is surprisingly cheap £5k-10k depending on size and quick to do unless the house is listed / needs specialist finishes.
Re plastering - not a job you can do yourself. A standard sized bedroom could cost circa £2k (in London)
Asbestos in the ceilings. Quite common in 70's houses, not sure about 60's. Not a problem if ceilings are undamaged but worrying all the same. You can usually get the cost of replacing taken out of the house price.

[worldgonecrazy]

Electrics can be a big job. Look for damp patches on walls, damp course breaches such as soil or wood piled against it on the outside, check windows for rot. If you can get under the carpet have a look and check for woodworm, rot, etc. Bouncy floorboards may mean a joist has gone.

Whilst mentioning joists, if they've done any DIY indoors and taken out any internal walls, check if they are load bearing walls and ensure that they have RSJs built in.

Have a good look at the roof, get into the loft if you can and look at the state of the pointing around the chimney. Check the pointing on the walls as well.

Blown plaster can be expensive so knock on a few walls to ensure soundness.

Once you have an idea of what work needs doing, prepare a rough estimate and then double it.

[threeleftfeet]

Oops, DP says it's 50s not 60s! Thanks for the advice, we had a good look!

Put in an offer a fair bit lower than the asking price, but reasonable we feel, considering the work which needs to be done.

Keeping fingers and toes crossed!