Fully renovated… Like new… Or maybe not?

• It has become a trend during the last few years, especially when it comes to apartments in the centre of Thessaloniki and Athens, to buy an apartment in bad condition, renovating it, then selling it again “fully renovated”, at least according to the advertisement. Buying such an apartment, however, involves some risks that everyone neglects to mention.

  To begin with, let us consider the case of a GOOD renovation, and by that meaning the renovation of every single system within the apartment (electrical, plumbing, HVAC etc). The systems within the apartment may all be brand new, but what about those outside it?

  The building’s central wastewater network?

  The apartment’s water supply network that runs outside it? What if it breaks and floods our fully renovated apartment?

  The waterproofing of the above bathroom that might not have been renovated?

  The waterproofing and thermal insulation of the terrace, as well as the building’s overall outer shell?

  What quality would water flowing through the old water supply network before reaching the apartment’s brand new one actually be?

  We have encountered all of the above and even more in “fully renovated” apartments we have examined. Issues that can be expected from an old building, but remain completely unseen beneath a brand new tile and fresh layer of paint, and so are rarely considered by the aspiring new owner.

  That is before even taking into the account the actual age of the building’s structural frame, which unfortunately cannot be replaced like bathroom tiles can. This query might be met with responses such as “back then concrete was made to last”, or “it wasn’t even fazed by the earthquake”, or even “concrete has a sense of pride”. The matter is so complex that looking into it further would tire the average apartment buyer. To simplify it, all that needs to be said is that buildings are generally designed with an expected service life of approximately 50 years, while a check of its function and aging is required after 30-35 years. This does not mean that any building older than 50 years should be demolished, but at the same time they will not have the same safety factor as modern ones.

  With our professional experience and cutting edge equipment, HOME INSPECTION can answer any questions you might have about any of the above and much more, so that you can be as informed as possible about the property you are considering purchasing and secure your investment.