Viewing a 1950s house

[Stephisaur]

We're off to view a house built in the 1950s on Wednesday, top end of budget but great location and seemingly a nice big house.

It's pre-market viewings, so I've no idea what the inside looks like, but I was told the kitchen is new so that's a bonus

What sorts of things do we need to be asking about? We don't want to end up falling for a house that's an absolute money pit as it'll already be stretching us financially.

So far I'm thinking:

• How old are the electrics?
• How old is the roof?
• How old is the boiler and when was it last serviced?
• How old are the windows and are they single or double glazed?

I'll also be asking/checking the water pressure, phone signal & checking for any signs of damp/mould.

Anything else to ask about while we're there?

Our house is a 1950s build. I think your list of things to check is good.

Will you be extending it in future? If so, I'd get a good survey - construction standards have changed a lot in the past 70 years, our neighbours have had awful times trying to knock through poorly-built walls.

Asbestos. on garage roof or ceilings (artex)

Replacement or secondary double glazing?
Is there an EPC certificate already available to give you some idea of how well insulated it is?
Does the plumbing all work? Do all the radiators get hot?
If there are open fireplaces, do they still have working chimneys?

Neighbours! This is the most important question of all, imo.

And why you should always have viewings with the current owners, rather than just the EA.

Aspect and orientation…. regardless of when it was built 😊

Has it been re-plumbed at all? Lead water pipes were still being used until 1966.