ᐅ The basement ceiling and the ground floor ceiling are sagging.

Hello everyone,

We are currently planning to buy a house. The notary appointment is scheduled for the Monday after next. So far, everything is ready. Financing is also secured.
Since the renovation is quite extensive, we have an architect involved.
However, something is bothering me, and unfortunately, I won’t be able to reach the architect until Tuesday.

There is a room in both the basement and the ground floor measuring 5.6 m x 13 m (18.4 ft x 42.7 ft). Today, I took some measurements and found that the basement ceiling and the ground floor ceiling are about 3-4 cm (1.2-1.6 inches) lower in the middle than at the edges. At first, I suspected the plaster, but it isn’t that. By the way, the house was built in 1973.

From what I have researched so far, the tolerance is L/250, which would be 5600 mm / 250 = 23 mm (about 0.9 inches).

I’m starting to worry a bit now. Did someone simply forget to level the ceiling back then, or is it something else?
Maybe someone has an idea. In the worst case, we would back out of the purchase, even though that would involve costs.

Best regards,
Markus

Hello,

mp3hifi schrieb:
.... Somehow I am having my doubts now.

Justified. I would not sign anything until these concerns are fully resolved. If necessary, the purchase date can be postponed until everything is clarified.

mp3hifi schrieb:
.... In the worst case, we would simply withdraw from the purchase, even if that involves some costs.

Possibly the lesser evil in the long run.

Best regards

Have you tried negotiating a discount? That’s not fair, I would ask for something in return. Are you aware that you are in the right?

Hello everyone,

Thanks in advance. A structural engineer is coming tomorrow to take a look at everything.

A discount is one thing, even though we had basically agreed on the price. Besides not signing the purchase contract, I don’t have any other rights. A discount only helps to a limited extent, especially if the issue is as serious as assumed. You can’t just renovate a lowered ceiling for €10,000 (about $11,000).

Postponing the notary appointment is one thing, but the financing is another. It is already signed and can only be revoked within two weeks.

Best regards

Oh, come on! If the structural engineer delivers the ceilings as stable, you can re-plaster them and thus even them out. It doesn’t cost €10,000.

jamguy schrieb:
Come on! If the structural engineer certifies the ceilings as stable, you can replaster and thus level them. It doesn’t cost €10,000.

The €10,000 was not referring to replastering, but to the complete reconstruction of the ceiling if it poses a risk.

However, the structural engineer has given the green light. We have also renegotiated the price.

Best regards