5 Red Flags to Look For When Buying a Fixer-Upper
Before you fall in love with a property's potential, make sure you spot these warning signs that could drain your bank account.
Buying a fixer-upper is a dream for many. The idea of taking a tired property and transforming it into your dream home—while potentially making a profit—is incredibly appealing. However, without the right eye, that dream can quickly turn into a nightmare.
1. Structural Cracks
Not all cracks are created equal. Hairline cracks in plaster are common, but large stepped cracks in brickwork or diagonal cracks around windows can indicate subsidence or lintel failure. These are expensive fixes.
2. Damp and Mould
The smell is usually the first giveaway. Look for tide marks on walls, peeling wallpaper, or black mould in corners. Is it just condensation, or is it rising damp? The difference in repair costs is massive.
3. The Roof
Stand across the street and look at the roof lines. Are they straight? Are there missing tiles? A sagging roof could mean the internal timbers are rotting or undersized. A full re-roof on a standard semi-detached house can easily cost £6,000-£10,000+.
4. Electrics and Plumbing
Look at the fuse box (consumer unit). If it has old rewirable fuses, the house likely needs a full rewire (budget £4k-£6k). Similarly, look for lead pipes or old galvanized steel tanks.
5. Japanese Knotweed
Check the garden. This invasive plant can make a property unmortgageable. It's difficult and expensive to eradicate.
Conclusion
Always get a professional assessment before you commit. A few hundred pounds spent on advice now could save you tens of thousands later.
Written by
Martin at Build Clarity