100 year old house survey feedback- keep going or avoid like the plague?

[tinkytot]

Hello

In the process of buying an old house, had a survey completed today, surveyor been there all day as we paid for a big survey.

Feedback is electrics are fine, inside showing odd patches of damp therefore Roof needs some flashing/lead replacing and work to most of guttering. There has been no heating inside for two months as people have departed so that may have affected some of damp readings.

We really like the house, but as we have only lived in new builds, are worried what we may be taking on.

Surveyor advised the roof may need replacing in five or ten years as there have only been minor reparations/ patching and I guess it is 100 years old!

Advice or others experiences would be great! It is the top end of our budget so worried we over commit ourselves and are left with a nightmare!

Thanks in advance. X

Thanks Malice that is a good way of describing the move from modern to older!

It sounds great and don't forget a full structural has to bring up everything no matter how slight, its what you pay for.
If the major things like electrics are sound i don't think you need worry.
Does it have any timber and has this been checked, for example floorboards and joists?

A bit of warmth and a dehumidifier will help keep the damp down, a good airing and damp course if there isn't one.

Old houses are money pits though and can cost a lot with maintenance, but you can be unlucky with new builds and find all weird and wonderful extras that need doing.

It has stood for 100 years, so it isn't going anywhere soon
I am biased as much prefer older builds though.
Just don't get talked into cavity wall insulation, shouldn't be done on old houses and can cause huge problems as we found.

Your survey doesn't sound bad at all!

We bought a house last summer which was built in 1905. Granted it has been looked after very well by previous owners, new electrica, windows, damp proofing etc howeve the roof was mentioned in the survey. Got a roofer round who did a good fix job and said yea your roof will probably need replacing in 10-20 years but it's currently 110 years old so it's bloody lasted well!

It is also freezing in the winter compared to our last home (2 bed flat) but it is such a gorgeous gorgeous house. If you love it go for it!

The replies have been really helpful. I am in the process of organising a builder and a roofer to have a look at the property to give us an idea of what the cost may be.

Trying to find reputable tradesmen are the next issue!