[lrryjrry1]

I am buying a property which is a duplex with the bottom unit half below the ground level. the property was built in 1901. I am worried about if this is a big issue for fixing it up to resell? and what structural or other issues I need to aware of? I am will be only doing the painting work on this investment property I am buying.

thanks in advance.

 

[sunkist]

Have you tried posting this on the Penn and Teller web site?.

 

[mikeswoods]

Some refer to those as 'garden apartments'---what you need to look for is foundation problems--drainage issues---


Do you have a contractor/foundation specialist that can look at it for you?

Look for water damage---or signs that recent repairs might be hiding water problems.

Buy yourself a pin type moisture meter and check for high moisture around the base boards-

--Mike----

 

[lrryjrry1]

I can't see the foundation from inside, it's covered with Sheetrocks. I might need to hire a structural engineer for inspection?

 

[Red Adobe]

DIY forum is ------>

 

[MTN REMODEL LLC]

I am buying a property which is a duplex with the bottom unit half below the ground level. the property was built in 1901. I am worried about if this is a big issue for fixing it up to resell? and what structural or other issues I need to aware of? I am will be only doing the painting work on this investment property I am buying.

thanks in advance.

Well first..... check out if that part of the house started out @ grade or not.....

 

[lrryjrry1]

How do we know if the house started out with grade or not?

 

[MTN REMODEL LLC]

Well first..... check out if that part of the house started out @ grade or not.....

How do we know if the house started out with grade or not?

Sorry Irry... that was a dumb joke..... Probably best to hire a good inspector.... any home built in 1900 will have numerous considerations to address. The mere fact that a home has a garden level in it may/may not have material considerations.

 

[billgl]

Start with a trusted inspector and go from there.