Choosing a house in Portugal
You’re ready to choose a house in Portugal. Sounds straightforward enough and you have certainly watched the place in the sun, moving abroad TV programs showing all the various delights on offer. All you have to do now is draw up a short list and agree on the one that you want. Simple!.
If only it really was that simple.
When choosing a house in Portugal there are a few more angles that you need to cover if you want to own your ideal home in Portugal.
Your probably aware that there are potential problems and expenses if you buy an old run down property and a new property may break the budget completely.
So what about a newer property? Not an old ruin It will have larger rooms and windows that let more sunshine in. An established garden and everything will be ready to move into.
Yes you would certainly think so however here are a few things to consider first
Electricity
Drainage and sewers
Damp and condensation
Woodworm
Structural non-conformations (potentially large structural problems)
No insulation and inadequate heating
You could say it’s a bit of a minefield and it can be for unwary or naive people who are on a tight time frame between returning home and choosing the right house.
That is why I can never understand people with no Portuguese construction e experience who buy a property blind instead of having a property appraisal done.
I will very briefly describe some of the potential problems regularly encountered from the brief list above.
Electricity – 90% of a newer property that you look at will have underpowered electrical circuits, not enough sockets and be liable to tripping off the power if you have the TV, Dishwasher, and light on!!!
Drainage and sewers – Most newer property will have undersized drainage pipes that are also laid at such a low fall the drains will block easily. The cesspit will be covered over with a concrete slab and earth.
Damp and condensation – Those telltale sooty marks along the edge of the ceiling are mold spores, not soot. Unfortunately!
Woodworm – Untreated wooden roofs or built-in furniture may already be showing signs of infestation. Just how bad is it and can it be treated or will it have to be removed and replaced.
Structural non-conformations (potentially large structural problems) – If the property was built on the cheap or extended by an unqualified idiot. There may not be the correct amount of reinforcing steel in the pillars and beams supporting the walls, roof and floors. It’s not a good time to find this out when you have already bought it.
No insulation and inadequate heating – Insulating houses has been the law for some time but its installation wasn’t policed so builders and home owners opted to save a few bob and leave it out. Many people here believe the “Caxias do air” or cavity in the wall is insulation. It’s not it is just a gap between two cold walls.
Choosing a house in Portugal talk to Kevin or email him Kelvin@casteloconstruction.com