Repsol YPF

There are two different kinds of second hand property: those which have aspects that need changing, improving and renovating, but which allow the consumer to move in and live there; and those that need full remodelling. Where the former are concerned, it is assumed that the basic living conditions are acceptable (electricity cables adapted to the current requirements, pipes in perfect condition, ceilings without damp, a heating system, and a kitchen and bathroom equipped with sufficient elements –cooking area, fridge, bathroom fittings- to start with). In this case, the best thing to do is to move in and assess the limitations and possible solutions over time. Consumers will have greater success that way, since they will know the characteristics of the property, be aware of its faults and its positive aspects and be able to apply the correct measures without the risk of getting it wrong. For example, they can assign different purposes to the rooms depending on their orientation, the hours of sunlight, how warm or cold they are, and the noise coming from the properties beside and above them. Through their own experience, they will assess the need to incorporate insulation, whether the wall that divides two properties is thick enough, they will work out how the heating and air conditioning systems work (if the property has them), they will have experienced the water volume in the shower, the condition of the taps, the quality of the flooring, the distribution of space in the kitchen, the way the windows and doors work, and the storage options of the new home (cupboards, wardrobes…). With this information, subsequent remodelling will be tackled more intelligently,  and the consumer can approach it with a better guarantee of success than if they took an impulsive approach to the alterations. 

Full refurbishment

If the second hand property is in a bad state of repair, the person should not sign the contract with the vendor without having checked the following aspects: condition of the electricity installation, the heating system, the state of the ceilings, walls and floors, of the pipes and of the cladding. If all of these items need work, it is reasonable to expect the vendor to reduce the asking price, since the minimum cost for this work will be 10,000 euros.  If it is a top floor flat, it is essential to check the condition of the roof; many old buildings have serious defects which have simply been patched up. This repair work is complicated since it requires the involvement of the Residents’ Committee, which may delay progress, and furthermore, it is expensive. However, the first person to suffer the consequences of a roof in a bad state of repair will be the inhabitant of the top floor. The purchaser of the property must be fully informed about this aspect and assess whether it is worth proceeding.      

Once the contract has been signed, patience and organisation are the two essential qualities that are required to stop the situation from descending into chaos and exhaustion. If the consumer’s financial situation allows them to hire a building work manager, this could be a good alternative so as to deal with a single point of contact. Otherwise, they will have to go step by step, following the correct order for the different tasks, according to their priority: house layout (extension or reduction of rooms, erecting or knocking down partition walls and making built-in wardrobes);  overhauling the electricity installation (if it is old) using an installer who is authorised by the Department of Industry and Energy, incorporating more light switches, plug sockets, connections (Internet, television, telephone…); installation of heating and air conditioning systems; review of pipes and possible alterations to bathroom and kitchen; flooring; windows and doors; wall finishing (paint, wallpaper…). 

Before getting started on the work, it is worth requesting at least two quotes per activity in order to compare costs, and speaking to friends and relatives in case they know good professionals whose work can be recommended. Once the priority tasks have been addressed, it will be time to start thinking about furnishing the new home. 

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