7 of the most common problems in villas - these things pay off to fix in time
Acquiring an old villa to turn into a new home is a dream that many Norwegians have. When you plan in advance and do the groundwork well, you are most successful in your project. When buying an old villa, it pays to get to know the place properly and make a budget for the renovation. This way, it's easy to keep track of expenses. From this page, you can read more about the most common technical problems of villas and how to prepare for necessary renovations and repairs.
Ditch closure
Among the most important things to check in old houses are the drain covers and their condition. If the drains are missing or not working properly, the bottom of the house can be damaged. When you buy an old house, it's a good idea to start by checking the condition of the drain. The function of the drain cover can be checked by letting water into the top control well. Then check that the water does not accumulate in the trench drain system. Flushing old trench drains can improve their function. However, this measure is not always a long-term solution. The best way to find out the condition of the trench drain system is by filming. At the same time, it pays to find out the structure of the ground around the house and whether there is vegetation on the walls. Also, remember to check the condition of the pipes to the trench drain, the damp-proofing mats and the moisture valve.
Insulation
It's a good idea to check the insulation in old houses and replace it with more modern insulation if necessary. In older houses, it is common to use sawdust as thermal insulation. Over time, the sawdust becomes compressed and vulnerable to moisture and mold. When renovating, it therefore pays to always at least replace old insulation with more modern insulation. Proper insulation prevents moisture damage and also retains heat better, leading to lower energy bills.
Ventilation
Many older villas suffer from inadequate ventilation. It pays to check and fix the ventilation as soon as possible. This way you can avoid moisture damage. Ventilation is important for the roof, facade and floor. The ventilation between the roof is important to keep the roof structure dry. You can improve ventilation by adding ventilation hatches or low-pressure fans. Facade ventilation can be problematic as the replacement air comes directly through the structure.
As the ground surface rises over the years, it can prevent ventilation of the bottom of the rope. If the house lacks a rafter foot and a ventilated crawl space, the risk of moisture damage is even greater and it pays to check the construction.
Wet rooms
A common problem with old houses is that they tend to have major deficiencies in the structure of the wet room areas. Sometimes, wet rooms are installed in the basement of the house without the necessary air vents and with inadequate ventilation. These things are worth checking and modernizing to today's standards. When renovating bathrooms, it's worth bearing in mind that old wooden houses are alive and that moisture causes the wooden structure to expand and shrink. The most important thing is that it is watertight and to keep an eye on ventilation. A shower cubicle reduces the humidity in the air and prevents moisture damage. Today, it is recommended to leave the pipes visible on the surface. This makes it easier to detect potential damage.
Roof construction
A leaking or defective roof is one of the biggest problems with old houses. The roof may have been damaged, causing water to flow in between the roof. Water or snow can enter between the joists via defective eaves or leaky areas. The roof may have ventilation ducts or roof hatches if the insulation is inadequate. Then the moisture creeps into the structure. An old, incorrectly installed flat roof or a pitched roof that was subsequently installed on top of a flat roof can lead to moisture damage. By renewing the roof to modern standards, you can extend the life of your house and prevent damage altogether.
Old pipe installations
If the villa you bought still has the original pipe installation, it is important to map the condition of the pipes carefully. A large proportion of the pipes are hidden inside the structure, which can make it difficult to assess the condition of the pipes from the outside. Very often, the inner part of the pipe system is in worse condition than you might expect.
It pays to film the drains if you know that the pipe system is over 35 years old, or that cast iron or concrete has been used as a material. The sooner a proper pipe renovation is carried out, the better. When moisture damage occurs, you may be forced to demolish and renew house structures. Insurance may not cover moisture damage if the condition of the pipe installation is not assessed in time.
Self-made electrical couplings
In old houses, you can come across the strangest electrical connections, sometimes even life-threatening. Old power lines themselves can be a risk, because over time the lines become brittle. Old electrical installations are not designed for today's smart devices and number of devices. Often, the amount of amps and the electrical panel (Pros) are sufficient, but it pays to let professionals assess whether the electrical panel needs to be completely replaced. The electricity in houses built in the 50s and earlier has run its course. If there has already been an electrical fault in the home and the resident has not ordered an electrician to fix the fault, the insurance company will not necessarily compensate if an electrical fault occurs again.
