This Old House? The pitfalls of period properties

GOOD SIGNS…

DISGUISED DOORS

Flat or flush painted doors are not always what they seem. It may be that the original panelled door has simply had hardboard fitted over it. Refurbishing the original panelled door is straightforward and worthwhile, even repairing damage that changes to locks and handles have caused over the years.

SUSPECT SKIRTINGS

Mismatched or patched in lengths of skirtings can be evidence of past modifications; previous location of a doorway or an Edinburgh press or fireplace that has been blocked up. Similarly, sections of hollow sounding wall in an otherwise solid one perhaps given the chance to reinstate fireplaces or interconnecting doors.

HIDDEN FLOORS

If you’ve a chance, peek under the edges of carpets and you might be able to work out what kind of floor there is underneath. There is usually traditional pine floorboards or, in hallways and old kitchens, original flagstones. Existing floorboards can be sanded and refinished to provide warmth and character in a room while flagstones look spectacular when properly cared for and are an incredibly durable floor finish.

SHUTTERED WINDOWS

Shutters are a wonderful way to keep the heat in a room and the noise out. It may appear that there are only fixed panels to windows but look closely. Check for overpainted hinges as sometime shutters are fixed into position but these can be freed and refurbished.

OLD WATERWORKS

Look out for original fittings, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. Cast iron radiators and baths can be reconditioned for use. Baths can be reglazed or enamelled and even refinished to any colour that suits your interior scheme while old taps and Belfast sinks look great in new kitchens and laundry rooms, adding an authentic traditional touch.

FAUX CEILINGS

Often seen clad in pine in kitchens and bathrooms of a certain vintage, lowered ceilings may simply have been fitted to conceal services and redundant water tanks. Always try to get a look up into ceiling hatches, it can tell you lots! Quite often the original ceiling and cornice are revealed and it is worthwhile restoring and refurbishing these. Even the most apparently ordinary cornice can have intricate plaster detailing concealed under many layers of paint.

ORIGINAL WINDOWS

Even where the paintwork looks in terrible condition and the timber cills are rotten, most windows can be refurbished and sections replaced, bringing them back to their former glory. Investing in restoring orginal windows will nearly always look better than fitting new ones.

SCARY SIGNS….

DUBIOUS STONEWORK

Look at the quality of existing masonry: quite simply is it in good condition and have there been any repairs? Look up at chimneys to check if there have been any repairs and that they have been carried out in stone not inferior material or finished in a cement render.

DAMP SPOTS

Many period homes were built without damp proof courses or have old, inadequate ones leading to rising damp which need to be renewed. Apart from the obvious mould and discolouration keep an eye out for tell-tale peeling edges to wallpaper. Damp at high level is often caused by issues with gutters and flashings. Once these items are attended to the building fabric will dry out if kept well ventilated and heated and then the interior can be made good.

IMPERFECT PIPES

Properties built before 1970 often have pipework made of unsuitable materials. Lead piping is easily identified as it usually looks soft and grey but if scratched it will easily reveal shiny metal through. Lead water service pipes will be replaced by Scottish Water from water main to property boundary, the water supply pipes into your property will be your responsibility. External pipework should all be cast iron, look out for any that appears to be modern plastic.

For one-to-one advice with those first steps, Edel offer clients an initial consultation with no obligation. Call 0131 226 6362 or visit www.weareedel.com to find out more.