ᐅ Approach: Renovating an Older House and Adding an Extension
Created on: 26 Mar 2015 15:37
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Martin-84M
Martin-8426 Mar 2015 15:37Hello everyone,
I would like to get some opinions on the best approach for the following situation:
A house with land is up for sale. Since the house is located in a desirable area and houses generally sell quickly in our city, it is expected that this house will also be sold very fast.
About the house: 99 m² (1,065 sq ft) living space, built in 1945, basement, ground floor, upper floor, being sold privately.
Since we want at least 130 m² (1,400 sq ft), an extension to the existing house would be necessary. The current house probably needs a full renovation. We also do not like the current room layout and want to change it.
The city’s response regarding an extension was that, according to the local development plan (building permit/planning permission), it is generally not allowed. However, since the extension would be about 40 m² (430 sq ft), as we suggested, there should ideally be no issues with approval.
A viewing appointment with the owners is arranged.
The house could be paid for with our own capital.
How can I clarify my questions as quickly as possible, ideally at the first viewing?
How can I get an idea of the approximate costs for the extension and renovation?
We could spend around 250,000 euros for renovation and extension. Would that be enough?
Since the location and the size of the plot are ideal for us, we are very interested in this house.
So, what is the best approach? Should I take a building surveyor or an architect—or both—to the first appointment? Can a building surveyor tell me if an extension is fundamentally possible and which walls in the old house can be removed? Or who can provide this information? If the result is positive, should I immediately say that I want to buy the house?
Or should I attend the appointment alone first, then possibly schedule a second visit with a building surveyor or architect? But then I risk the house being sold already.
Your suggestions?
Thanks.
I would like to get some opinions on the best approach for the following situation:
A house with land is up for sale. Since the house is located in a desirable area and houses generally sell quickly in our city, it is expected that this house will also be sold very fast.
About the house: 99 m² (1,065 sq ft) living space, built in 1945, basement, ground floor, upper floor, being sold privately.
Since we want at least 130 m² (1,400 sq ft), an extension to the existing house would be necessary. The current house probably needs a full renovation. We also do not like the current room layout and want to change it.
The city’s response regarding an extension was that, according to the local development plan (building permit/planning permission), it is generally not allowed. However, since the extension would be about 40 m² (430 sq ft), as we suggested, there should ideally be no issues with approval.
A viewing appointment with the owners is arranged.
The house could be paid for with our own capital.
How can I clarify my questions as quickly as possible, ideally at the first viewing?
How can I get an idea of the approximate costs for the extension and renovation?
We could spend around 250,000 euros for renovation and extension. Would that be enough?
Since the location and the size of the plot are ideal for us, we are very interested in this house.
So, what is the best approach? Should I take a building surveyor or an architect—or both—to the first appointment? Can a building surveyor tell me if an extension is fundamentally possible and which walls in the old house can be removed? Or who can provide this information? If the result is positive, should I immediately say that I want to buy the house?
Or should I attend the appointment alone first, then possibly schedule a second visit with a building surveyor or architect? But then I risk the house being sold already.
Your suggestions?
Thanks.
At first glance, I would also say that if you’re not really happy with the existing structure, completely tearing it down and rebuilding is probably easier and cheaper. The main interest for you is actually the plot in this location. An extension is technically always possible, but vague statements like "there shouldn’t be any problems with 40m² (430 sq ft)" are not very helpful – and what if the building authority refuses? Then you’re stuck with a great plot but an old, too-small fixer-upper...
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Martin-8427 Mar 2015 08:54Thanks in advance for your answers.
It’s probably really better to have the old house demolished.
From what I have read, it’s usually best to demolish the basement as well. Reusing it is often not possible, usually involves extra effort, and can lead to complications.
Since a demolition easily costs around 20,000 euros, we would have about 230,000 euros left for a new house. That will be quite tight.
If you can only use or want to use the land, the offered plot with the house is already very expensive.
It’s probably really better to have the old house demolished.
From what I have read, it’s usually best to demolish the basement as well. Reusing it is often not possible, usually involves extra effort, and can lead to complications.
Since a demolition easily costs around 20,000 euros, we would have about 230,000 euros left for a new house. That will be quite tight.
If you can only use or want to use the land, the offered plot with the house is already very expensive.
B
Bauexperte27 Mar 2015 09:06Good morning,
Unfortunately, I can’t tell from your phone where you are from, so I don’t know if your budget will be sufficient for demolition and rebuilding. However, regardless of that, a building plot is always worth as much as a buyer is willing to pay for it!
You should talk to your house bank, an independent mortgage broker, and an insurance provider. Only once you are aware of all the options, including any additional factors, can you make a sound decision.
Regards, Bauexperte
Unfortunately, I can’t tell from your phone where you are from, so I don’t know if your budget will be sufficient for demolition and rebuilding. However, regardless of that, a building plot is always worth as much as a buyer is willing to pay for it!
You should talk to your house bank, an independent mortgage broker, and an insurance provider. Only once you are aware of all the options, including any additional factors, can you make a sound decision.
Regards, Bauexperte
B
Bauexperte27 Mar 2015 09:07Good morning,
Unfortunately, I cannot tell where you are from on my phone; therefore, I am also not sure if your budget will be sufficient for demolition and rebuilding. However, regardless of that, a building plot is only worth as much as a buyer is willing to pay for it!
You should talk to your main bank, an independent mortgage broker, and an insurance company. Only when you are fully informed about all options, including any additional costs, can you make a sustainable decision.
Regards, Bauexperte
Bauexperte
Unfortunately, I cannot tell where you are from on my phone; therefore, I am also not sure if your budget will be sufficient for demolition and rebuilding. However, regardless of that, a building plot is only worth as much as a buyer is willing to pay for it!
You should talk to your main bank, an independent mortgage broker, and an insurance company. Only when you are fully informed about all options, including any additional costs, can you make a sustainable decision.
Regards, Bauexperte
Bauexperte
M
Martin-8427 Mar 2015 09:53Thank you for your reply.
The place of residence and construction site is Northern Bavaria.
The place of residence and construction site is Northern Bavaria.
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