By Tersia de Beer | Property practitioner in Kroonstad, Africa Estate
An older house in Kroonstad is often the best value in town, if you know what to look for. The big stands, the trees and the solid walls of the older homes in Suidrand, Presidentia and Wilgenhof are hard to beat. But age shows in places a quick viewing misses. Here is my checklist.
The roof
Kroonstad gets hail. Look for broken or shifted tiles, rusted iron sheets and stains on the ceiling inside. Ask when the roof was last done, and whether there is a guarantee.
Damp and cracks
Damp patches low on the walls, peeling paint and a musty smell point to rising damp. Hairline cracks are common; cracks that are wide or run diagonally from a door or window corner should be seen by an expert before you sign.
Wiring and the electrical certificate
The seller must provide an electrical certificate of compliance. In an older house that can mean repair work. Ask whether it has been done, and look at the distribution board: old glass fuses instead of switches are a sign.
Plumbing and water
Open the taps and check the pressure and the colour. Old galvanised pipes rust from the inside. Ask the geyser's age, and whether there is a borehole or tank: every Kroonstad resident knows a week without water.
Building plans
Extensions from years ago do not always have approved plans. Ask for the municipality's approved plans and compare them with what you see. An illegal extension can become a problem at the bank, or later when you sell.
The checklist in one place
- Roof: tiles, sheets, ceiling stains, age.
- Walls: damp, paint, the kind of cracks.
- Electricity: certificate, distribution board.
- Water: pressure, pipes, geyser, borehole or tank.
- Papers: approved building plans for every extension.
Want to see an older house in Kroonstad? I can go through the checklist with you on the homes for sale now. See what is available or contact me.
Tags:kroonstad · buying-a-house · checklist · free-state
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