What to check before buying an old house to remodel?

Buying an older home can be an excellent investment: it often offers better locations, spacious rooms, and architectural potential that's hard to find in new developments. However, an older property can also hide costly problems.

Before signing, it's worth looking beyond the pretty facade and the classic "with a coat of paint it will be perfect".

1. Check the structural condition

Check if they exist:

• Diagonal or deep cracks.

• Damaged columns or beams.

• Sunken or uneven floors.

• Roofs with deformations.

• Apparently improvised extensions.

  
  

A surface crack doesn't always indicate a structural problem, but it shouldn't be diagnosed solely based on a visual inspection. When warning signs are present, it's advisable to request an evaluation from a civil engineer.

The National Building Regulations establish the minimum technical requirements that must be considered in the design and execution of buildings in Peru.

2. Check the sanitary facilities

Older homes may still have galvanized pipes, worn-out connections, or networks that have already reached the end of their useful life.

Check:

• Water pressure.

• Dampness in walls and floors.

• Odors coming from the drain.

• Leaks in bathrooms, kitchens and rooftops.

• Location of risers and junction boxes.

  
  

Changing a faucet is easy. Replacing the entire plumbing system after installing new flooring and fixtures is another story.

3. Evaluate the electrical installations

Ask when the electrical system was last renovated and check if the following exist:

• Old boards.

• Exposed cables.

• Insufficient electrical outlets.

• Absence of grounding.

• Poorly distributed thermomagnetic switches.

  
  

A house designed for the electrical needs of forty years ago is probably not ready for today's electric ovens, air conditioning, computers, dryers, and automation systems.

4. Compare the plans with the actual construction

Request:

• Registry entry.

• Declaration of construction or declaration of building.

• Plans approved.

• Licenses for previous expansions.

• Internal regulations, where applicable.

  
  

An extension may physically exist, but not necessarily be declared or authorized. SUNARP has specific procedures for registering buildings and their modifications.

5. Check the walls you want to remove

Don't assume a wall can be demolished just because it "looks thin." Before altering the layout, it must be determined whether it's a partition wall, load-bearing masonry, or a structural element. This must be reviewed and approved by a civil engineer.

6. Calculate the actual cost of the transformation

In addition to the purchase price, consider:

• Technical evaluations.

• Design and plans.

• Licenses, where applicable.

• Demolitions.

• Facility renovation.

• Finishes.

• Furniture.

• Unforeseen events.

As a preventative measure, an old house should be analyzed before deciding how much to invest in its renovation.

Conclusion

The best purchase is not always the cheapest house, but the one that allows you to carry out your desired project without compromising safety or exceeding your budget.

At DOCE Arquitectura Interior, we evaluate the functional, technical, and aesthetic potential of each property before starting its remodeling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every old house need a structural assessment?

Not necessarily. It is recommended when there are cracks, deformations, informal extensions, or when it is desired to work on walls, slabs, columns, or foundations .

Can I request an evaluation before buying?

Yes. A preliminary technical visit can help you make a more informed decision.

If you have any questions, write to us.

Angie.