Discover home property defects like electrics, plumbing, and asbestos. Get repair estimates and ensure safety with a pre-purchase survey. An unknown property defect could lead to high costs down the line.
1. Defect: Electrics
Cause: A quick look at the fuse board, often located in the entrance hall, can provide insight into your home’s electrical system. Older ceramic-style fuses indicate that the fuse board is outdated and requires an upgrade.
Repair costs: The cost of a full electrical rewire for a standard three-bed semi-detached house in Ireland can range between €10,000 and €12,000. Cost depends on the size of the property and the complexity of the work needed.
2. Defect: Plumbing
Cause: Leaky pipes, inadequate drainage, or water pressure issues are common plumbing problems in Irish homes. These property defects often stem from wear and tear in older properties with outdated plumbing systems. Unaddressed leaks or blockages, if left unaddressed, can lead to significant water damage over time.
Repair costs: Minor plumbing repairs can be relatively inexpensive, but more substantial issues like re-piping can range from €5,000 to €15,000 or more, depending on the scope and size of the house.
3. Defect: Structural Issues
Cause: Structural property defects, such as cracks in walls, foundation problems, or sagging floors, can result from various factors including settlement, soil movement, or water damage. In Ireland, issues like subsidence or pyrite damage can be particularly problematic.
Repair costs: Repairing structural issues can be costly, often ranging between €20,000 to €50,000 or more, depending on the severity of the damage and the required repairs.
4. Defect: Woodworm
Cause: Woodworm, an infestation of wood-boring beetles, can cause significant damage to wooden structures within a property. These beetles lay eggs in untreated or damp timber, and the larvae feed on the wood as they develop. Woodworms can lie dormant in a property for up to 8 years, making it a hidden but serious issue.
Repair costs: Treatment costs for woodworms can range from €1,000 to €5,000 or more, depending on the extent of the infestation and the property size. Cost may increase if insulation and stored items in an attic need removal before treatment.
5. Defect: Dry Rot
Cause: Dry rot is a fungal decay that affects timber, causing structural damage. Typically, a single source of moisture feeds the fungus, allowing it to spread rapidly through the wood. Properties with poor insulation and ventilation are particularly prone to dry rot.
Repair costs: Repairing dry rot can be extensive and costly, with expenses ranging from €2,000 to €10,000 or more, depending on the damage and necessary repairs. In severe cases, structural timbers need to be removed and replaced.
6. Defect: Roof Issues
Cause: Roof defects, such as structural damage, bowing, or inappropriate roof coverings, are often caused by water ingress. Ireland’s rainy and windy climate can exacerbate roof issues, particularly if the roof private is improperly installed or not maintained.
Repair costs: Roof repair costs can vary greatly depending on the roofing material type and the extent of the damage. Minor repairs might cost around €500, while a complete roof replacement could range from €10,000 to €20,000 or more.
7. Defect: Drainage Issues
Cause: A property defect like drainage problems often arise from blocked or damaged drains, which can lead to significant issues such as subsidence in older properties with clay drains. Blockages may occur due to debris, tree roots, or structural damage to the drain pipes, and poor maintenance can further exacerbate these issues.
Cost of repair: A CCTV drain survey before purchasing a property would typically cost around €500. Drain clearing services generally cost around €300, while more extensive repairs like drain relining or replacement could cost up to €5,000 or more.
8. Defect: Dampness and Mould
Cause: Mould growth and rising dampness in a property are often caused by moisture infiltration through walls or floors, inadequate ventilation, or plumbing leaks. Ireland’s damp climate can contribute to these moisture-related issues, especially in older properties where damp proofing was not installed.
Repair costs: Dampproofing treatments in Ireland typically range from €2,000 to €5,000, depending on the size of the affected area and the extent of the dampness. Mould remediation costs range from €1,000 to €3,000+, depending on the extent of the mould growth and the size of the area affected.
9. Defect: Asbestos
Cause: Asbestos-containing materials in a property defect pose significant health risks. Asbestos was commonly used in construction in Ireland until the 1990s and older properties may still contain asbestos in forms such as asbestos cement sheets, insulation, or pipe lagging. Even seemingly minor materials, like stipple ceilings and old floor tiles, could contain asbestos.
Repair costs: Asbestos removal costs in Ireland can vary depending on the amount of asbestos present and the accessibility of the materials. Removal can range from €2,000 to €10,000 or more, depending on the project scope.
10. Defect: Roof Insulation
Cause: Inadequate or deteriorated roof insulation can lead to energy inefficiency and potential water damage. Over time, insulation materials can settle, become compressed, or be damaged by pests, reducing their effectiveness and leading to higher energy bills and potentially damp issues.
Repair costs: Upgrading or replacing roof insulation can cost anywhere from €1,500 to €4,000 or more, depending on the size of the property and the type of insulation used.
Before you buy: Ensure peace of mind by getting a pre-purchase survey from ISURV, Ireland’s trusted residential inspection experts. Our team of surveyors is regulated by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI), ensuring the highest standards of service and professionalism in the Irish property industry. Visit our website at www.isurv.ie for more information.
Contact us:
- Phone: 01-575 6100
- Email: info@isurv.ie
- Address: 51 Bracken Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18, D18CV48
- Website: www.isurv.ie