Hello! Happy Easter!
First of all: I’m not sure if this is the right place for my question. Please forgive me if I seem a bit lost. Unfortunately, I am not very familiar with this topic.
My husband and I rent a very dilapidated old building (built in 1901). We now have the opportunity to purchase the property, which has not undergone any major renovations since the 1950s.
Unfortunately, it is contaminated with asbestos, has lead pipes, and is painted with lead-based paint. The question is to what extent it is possible to carry out such renovations ourselves. Neither of us are professionals.
Are there ways to determine how high the asbestos concentration in the indoor air is? The previous owners apparently stored asbestos cement sheets on the attic. Is it possible to dispose of this ourselves, or is a specialized company required?
The property has an old tiled stove from 1930, which apparently does not meet current emissions standards. The chimney sweep informed us that we would have to shut it down. However, I have heard that there might be an exemption if the tiled stove is a historic piece. It is exceptionally ornate.
I would appreciate any answers, or—if I am in the wrong forum—a pointer to where I could ask instead.
Thank you!
First of all: I’m not sure if this is the right place for my question. Please forgive me if I seem a bit lost. Unfortunately, I am not very familiar with this topic.
My husband and I rent a very dilapidated old building (built in 1901). We now have the opportunity to purchase the property, which has not undergone any major renovations since the 1950s.
Unfortunately, it is contaminated with asbestos, has lead pipes, and is painted with lead-based paint. The question is to what extent it is possible to carry out such renovations ourselves. Neither of us are professionals.
Are there ways to determine how high the asbestos concentration in the indoor air is? The previous owners apparently stored asbestos cement sheets on the attic. Is it possible to dispose of this ourselves, or is a specialized company required?
The property has an old tiled stove from 1930, which apparently does not meet current emissions standards. The chimney sweep informed us that we would have to shut it down. However, I have heard that there might be an exemption if the tiled stove is a historic piece. It is exceptionally ornate.
I would appreciate any answers, or—if I am in the wrong forum—a pointer to where I could ask instead.
Thank you!
B
Bauexperte6 Apr 2015 12:43Hello,
Regardless of your further explanations, I strongly recommend contacting the local authorities to check whether the house is listed as a historic building or under preservation orders (there isn’t always a plaque on the building). If the answer is negative, you should hire an expert to inspect and assess the property with you; this expert should preferably have extensive experience in appraising very old buildings. You can find such a specialist through the Association of Independent Experts (Bund freier Sachverständiger e.V.), including professionals near you.
However, I fear that the costs he will estimate might turn the supposed “bargain” into a bottomless pit. If my intuition is wrong, the next step would be to talk with a bank, independent financier, or insurer you trust.
Best wishes for Easter
Snafu schrieb:
My husband and I are tenants of a very dilapidated old building (built in 1901). We now have the opportunity to purchase the property, which has not undergone any major renovation since the 1950s.
Regardless of your further explanations, I strongly recommend contacting the local authorities to check whether the house is listed as a historic building or under preservation orders (there isn’t always a plaque on the building). If the answer is negative, you should hire an expert to inspect and assess the property with you; this expert should preferably have extensive experience in appraising very old buildings. You can find such a specialist through the Association of Independent Experts (Bund freier Sachverständiger e.V.), including professionals near you.
However, I fear that the costs he will estimate might turn the supposed “bargain” into a bottomless pit. If my intuition is wrong, the next step would be to talk with a bank, independent financier, or insurer you trust.
Best wishes for Easter
Personally, I would advise against this offer. We are also renovating an older building, but without hazardous materials and without construction defects. Especially if you are not very experienced, it is better to choose a project with a lower level of difficulty where you can have a clearer idea of the potential costs upfront. The removal and disposal of hazardous substances can become very expensive. In addition, there will likely be other potentially costly issues to deal with. It is better to opt for a younger older building where there are not as many serious problems.