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Original poster

Always lived in a newbuild

29 replies

Newbuildtooldbuild · 16/12/2025 16:05

I have always lived in (lovely warm and low maintenance new builds), however I am looking to buy a 5 bedroom Georgian/Victorian house. (not listed)

The EPC rating is F- Which I know is pretty terrible.

My main concern is insulation- I like a warm house!

>Please could I have some words of advice when buying an old house?
Any things I need to consider/ask agent before putting in an offer?

Also any tips on improving the insulation? Changing windows and doors? Are triple glazing worth it? What can be done in the roof (converted attic into bedroom) and walls?

Is it even possible (if we threw money at it) to make it warm and cosy like my current new build is!?

OP posts:
DrPrunesqualer · 18/12/2025 01:23

Carpets are fine but not rubber backed. The rubber stops the ability to breath. Same with underlay. Go for a wool underlay. Anything with lots of plastic or / and glue is the issue

Keep internal paints fully breathable especially on the external walls.

Make sure new windows have trickle vents

DrPrunesqualer · 18/12/2025 01:25

Saz12 · 17/12/2025 19:16

F is still mortgageable (I think a G is the cut-off?).
There are probably old light bulbs (not the energy efficient ones), poor appliances, and I would guess the heating system isn't mains gas (or if it is, it's a v old boiler), also draughty. These are all easy fixes to get to an E rating. Loft insulation should be easy, improved windows likewise. Sub-floor insulation should be viable.

Wall insulation is slightly trickier.

You’d have to lift the original floor to insulate

DrPrunesqualer · 18/12/2025 01:45

The cellar needs to be very well ventilated if you go for insulating under the ground floor or you’ll get damp, mould and slow decay in the cellar structure.

keep the insulation to fully breathable so moisture doesn’t become trapped in the cellar which causes all the above.

If you put rads in the cellar it will help warm the floors above. Heat rises

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Barnestine · 18/12/2025 01:57

You’ll never be warm

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