What to Look for When Buying Older Bungalows

A Final property purchase Agreement
  • Author: Mohsin Khan
  • Posted On: November 15, 2022
  • Updated On: July 11, 2023

When you choose to buy bungalows in Kolkata that are older there are a number of things you need to check out to make sure they are in the condition the seller claims.

Older homes are more likely not going to meet modern building codes and the key areas you should look into with a professional are the electrical systems, the plumbing, the roof and the foundation.

The Foundation

You need to find a home with good foundations so you know the bungalow price in Kolkata is a fair one and they are not hiding anything from you.

You can have a proper inspection and they usually include checks but some things you can consider include whether it is level or whether it feels like it slopes, if it is a slab foundation, are there any cracks extending out to the brickwork, are there any tears that come from movement in the foundation?

If there are signs that the foundation is no good at all you want to reconsider purchasing, or if there is work that can be done to fix it, factor that cost into what you are willing to offer.

The Plumbing

Your inspector should look for things like making sure there are no leaks, if it uses galvanized steel it might be at the end of its lifespan and so you need factor in the costs of replacement work. Another issue can be old iron drain lines which break down as they age.

In the garden, you can look for places where the grass seems to be especially green and that might indicate water is leaking from the line leading to the street. Even if the place has slab a static test can be performed to check there are no leaks in the system.

The Electrical System

Old properties tend to have old wiring that struggles with modern demands. When you buy bungalows in Kolkata you will have an inspector test the outlets, look at the panel box, and make sure it can handle modern appliances, and all the demands you need to place on it.

If it cannot then you will need to have a professional come in to re-do the wiring and bring things up to code.

The Roof

Having a good roof might not be exciting but it is essential. It protects your home from water damage and all the elements. Flat roofs leak more and need more tending to prevent water getting into the home.

Before you pay a high bungalow price in Kolkata make sure your inspector has looked at the roof and confirmed it is in the condition the sellers are claiming.

You do not want to pay a lot to move in and then in the rainy season discover you now have a huge cost in repairs and new roofing to come up with. The roof also impacts your heating and cooling bills so you should make sure it is up to standards.

Avatar photo
Author: Mohsin Khan

Mohsin has worked as one of the experienced editors with ConstructionHow since 2020 with a total span of 5 years of experience in business PR, boasting a remarkable professional trajectory, he has collaborated with entrepreneurs and startups, and certain publications over the last few years. His unwavering interest lies in the construction industry and related materials. He believes in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing buildings, and homes that fall under the right budget. With a wide range of experience in construction, he also tapped into DIY and home improvement projects based on his extensive set of knowledge in the industry.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE