Seven things to consider when looking for a house to settle down in.
The option of buying and renovating a townhouse is becoming more and more common, both for locals and for visitors who, once they have got to know the area, want to make it their permanent home.
The Marina Alta, to the north of the Costa Blanca, is a much visited region, rich in landscapes and with a wide variety of experiences. However, the interior of the region is relatively unknown. Apart from the famous coastal towns such as Javea, Denia, Moraira or Calpe, the region hides an infinite number of towns with a rich historical heritage and a very special charm, which are increasingly becoming an interesting option if you are a lover of tranquillity, fresh air, local authenticity and living in small communities.
So, if you are looking for a house with a unique personality, where you can settle down and participate in the daily life of the villages of this region and its extraordinary history and heritage, this article is of interest to you.
These are the various points to consider when visiting a village house to renovate.
1.- Existing structure
2.- Condition of the existing roof
3.- Moisture problems inside the house
4.- Existing flooring
5.- Insulation
6.- Kitchen and bathrooms
7.- Doors and windows
1.- First of all, the most important feature that will determine the feasibility of renovating a second-hand house is the state of the main structure of the house. Depending on the age of the house, some structural elements may need to be reinforced or even modified. However, if the structure is generally in good condition and there are no cracks in the walls or deformed beams, we have a positive starting point for a successful renovation. In many cases it will also be possible to modify a specific structural element in order to reorganise the layout of the house.
2.- When visiting the house, it will also be easy to observe if the roof of the house is in good condition or not. Although we do not have access to it, we can see if there are any leaks, filtration or moisture in the false ceiling or even if some beams, as long as they are visible, are damaged. It is quite common for roofs to require some maintenance, such as adding structural reinforcements under the existing beams or even replacing the existing tiles. However, this work is much less expensive than replacing the entire roof, which is the last option when the roof is in an advanced state of deterioration.
3.- On first inspection, it is easy to see if there are problems with damp and capillarity on the ground floor. For example, if the paint on the walls is peeling or swollen where it meets the floor, this means that there is some damp, usually on the first floor. If this is the case, do not panic, there is a solution, but it will probably be necessary to raise the floor a little by building a chamber separating the new floor from the ground floor.
4.- If there is no other damp problem, the existing floor is to your liking and in relatively good condition, one option is to restore it. We are very much in favour of this option if the floor has a certain original character, such as some hydraulic tiles. It can add a lot of personality and uniqueness to the interior of the house.
5.- Lastly, the correct insulation of a house against both heat and cold is now essential. This point will be necessary in the renovation of many townhouses, so you must take it into account.
6.- Do not worry either if you see that the kitchen or the bathrooms are to be thrown. These two elements are often renovated when a new owner acquires a second-hand house, whether for reasons of hygiene, taste or functionality.
7.- The existing doors are another important element in the renovation of a house. In general, windows are too dilapidated and do not meet today's requirements for thermal and acoustic comfort. However, existing doors, if they are of good quality, can be restored and even painted in any colour and used in the renovation project.
