Its an old 30 years house. My question is should i buy it? Will buying an old house need me to redo any work related to house strength and safety?
Also i want to know will i need to redo any drainage system now or in near future? Kindly guide.
Concrete lasts for 50 to 100 years according to baba Google ji.
So I guess, there you are safe for another 20 years at least. But if you need to re-do it's design then some changes can be done after consulting a structural engineer.
Revaming sewer/drains, replacing leaked pipes, termite-infested rotten door frames, kitchen cabinets, sanitary ware and floor/bath tiles are typical candidates for giving new look to old beast.
But keep the modification budget under control, otherwise, desires run out of proportion.
Thats the problem how does one fix the drain/sewer lines because as far as I know one has to dig and redo the pipings and thats really difficult job.
Drainage or sewer pipes needs replacing only if they are leaking or blocked. Otherwise, no need to waste money.
Did this drainage redo job in my two houses last year. It was looking very difficult but it came very easy. For the main gutter line we did not touch the old concrete piplines. But we digged from on side of house and layed the new 6-8 inch line. I spent around 4 lac for 3 washroom new fitting, sanitary and tiles along with new drainage line.
Whats current state of everything? It also depends on the last renovation.
Assuming that no renovation is done then you will certainly have to redo woodwork, tiles, washrooms etc.....again it depends on your desire.
Usually people don't pay much for the old construction.....that can be1/3 of the current construction cost.
@ahmed,
If the house is 30 years old, just pay little above the cost of the land.
for the idea of little above, in Peshawar usually 10 marla double story house Malba brings you easily 8-12 laks, the person buying Malba demolish and will give you clean level plot.
so on top of land cost add accordingly and use the house till you can.
If it is double story and seepage could be seen under the 1st roof beneath washroom & kitchen areas then you need to renew the drain lines above but with the strict following precautions:
... Take extreme care when plumber does chisel & hammer work and reinstall drain lines. Water proofing in old houses is a specialised job & joints must be supervised.
...Water lines to be renewed as after 30 years, internal corrosion is inevitable as there was no PPR in those times.
...When all water lined are done, take 24 hrs air leak test and it is very important.
...If it is a 10 marla double house, be prepared to spare at least 25 to 30 lacs for windows & door frames, doors, pipework, glass work, kitchen work, tiles/marble, electrical, paint, if you like false ceiling, masonry etc.
If one Kanal then minimum 50 lacs to live in a nice and aesthetic house.
Also frontage tiling is a must as it give nice look plus protection from weathering.
My 2 cents are due to our construction business experience,sir.