Buying a property can be overwhelming.
If you’re not aware of what such a decision entails, it can lead you down numerous roads. There are a lot of questions to ask, and a lot of matters you should take into consideration. We have come up with a few tips to help get you started, which include the expertise of an architect.
Let’s get started!
The first step is to hire an architect. He will ensure that the property follows all the permit regulations because if anything in the property doesn't follow these regulations, you could be charged a permit fee to correct what is out of place. If this happens, you need to be clear on who will be paying for the architect and/or permit fees related to this sanction.
When you have your architect at your disposal, always ask questions about the property you are interested in. For example, one crucial question to ask is: What limitations are present concerning internal alterations? These limitations will depend on the property type; some alterations might not be possible due to restrictions that might come with the property. For instance, if you are dealing with a village core property, there would be various policies to keep in mind, which vary depending on location and will require different permit procedures.
Always ask the architect about the structural integrity of the property, to ensure that the life of that property is suitable and safe, even if normal operating conditions are exceeded. Integrities might include structural deterioration, manufacturing errors, and improper environmental considerations.
Inquire about the quality of the finishes and what materials were used, specifically for the electrical and mechanical services within the property. If the property is "old", there is a chance that the materials used are out of date and would require a lot of maintenance, which can result in unforeseen problems when you start living there. This question might not be answered by your architect directly; however, you might still want to include him/her in the discussion.
