Things Ottawa Buyers May Notice #30 – Walls Removed

Posted on January 15, 2010 
Filed Under Things Buyers May Notice, Valerie Zinger

This is a photo of what should be done.  However, there are some very poor renovations being done and then sold as upgrades in homes.  The expression “Putting Lipstick on a Pig” (meaning that it is still a pig) applies in many cases. 

One of the areas that should concern homeowners is where a wall has been removed.  There is almost always evidence that this has happened.  Look for an unusual layout of an older home – more modern than expected.  Look for an arch or beam across the ceiling (which hopefully means that there is a beam holding up the next floor), look for a strip of different coloured carpeting or hardwood (used to fill in the space where the wall was), feel a bump or rise in the floor.  If the removal has been professionally done, ask for the work permits and bills for the renovation.  If these are not available, make sure that your house inspector takes a very long hard look at the attic / second floor/ floor / basement.  Your key concern is that the structural intergrity of the house has not been compromised. 

We all want open concept space or increased space in some rooms at the expense of other rooms.  Be careful that the cosmetics of getting the open concept has not put the whole house at risk.

Photo Credit:  Day Four, Support Walls @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/garyjwood/2555151293/

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