ᐅ House too large: what to do with the extra rooms?

Created on: 8 Jun 2016 22:44
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AngelusNoctis
Hello,
I probably have a typical single-person problem. I want to buy a house and already have a specific one in mind. But like most houses, this one is also too large. I would have 3 rooms and 2 bathrooms “left over.” There is also a 40m² (430 sq ft) utility room. On the ground floor, I can imagine taking down a wall to connect the bathroom with the kitchen to create a larger kitchen. However, since the house is listed (heritage protected), that probably won’t be allowed, right?

Otherwise, everything fits well with this house, and since I’m generally only looking in an area with about 20,000 residents and want a large garden plus an outbuilding, it’s very unlikely that I’ll find a smaller house.

So, what do you do with too much space?

Best regards,
Chris
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FrankH
11 Jun 2016 08:25
The main reasons for the price are likely the historical preservation status and the energy consumption. In addition, the location might occasionally be affected by the vicinity of the sugar factory in Wierthe, which can cause significant odor disturbances in the autumn. When I was a student living in BS-Lehndorf, you could even smell the sugar production there under certain weather conditions.
Otherwise, it is a property for enthusiasts. Maybe the price is still somewhat negotiable, as I don’t believe the property will sell itself.
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AngelusNoctis
11 Jun 2016 12:02
@Musketier:
And what does this have to do with the topic? I don’t quite understand.

@garfunkel:
How do you know the rooms are tiny? I think the room sizes are absolutely great. There is a large bathroom, a large living room, a large kitchen, and 2 large bedrooms. Plus 3 small rooms. That’s great.
How do you know the rooms feel dark and cold? I found the house very cozy, neither dark nor cold.
Sure, the roof will need to be replaced soon, but the house is very affordable because of that.
How do you know the timber framing isn’t attractive?
From which side are you talking?

@FrankH:
I have lived here for 20 years and have never noticed any smell from a sugar factory. I only occasionally notice the smell of a brewery, which some gentlemen might actually consider an added value. :-)
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Elina
11 Jun 2016 12:17
I wouldn’t buy the house listed for 150k because the ceilings are way too low. But the red brick house for 129k is quite nice.
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FrankH
11 Jun 2016 20:16
AngelusNoctis schrieb:

@FrankH:
I’ve lived here for 20 years and have never noticed any odor from a sugar factory. From time to time, I do smell a brewery, but for some men that might actually increase the property’s value. 🙂
The prevailing wind direction might be the key factor. I sometimes noticed brewery smells in BS as well, but luckily I didn’t live downwind. :-) For me, that wouldn’t increase the value either. By the way, I lived in BS from 1986 to 2003, so that was a while ago.

If everything suits you, consider bringing a building surveyor or inspector to your next viewing to avoid any major surprises. It might also help to ask around the neighborhood a bit. And check with the heritage conservation authority about what is allowed and what isn’t (for example, photovoltaic panels).
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AngelusNoctis
11 Jun 2016 20:53
@Elina:
Which advertisement are you referring to? How is that related to the topic?
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ypg
11 Jun 2016 23:32
AngelusNoctis schrieb:
@Elina:
Which listing are you talking about? What does that have to do with the topic?

You with your topic – this is a discussion forum, and you should take that into account! 🙂

Be grateful for any information you can get here for free.