If you’re thinking of buying a thatched roof cottage then it’s important to be aware of the most important questions you need to ask.
Thatched properties are different from regular domestic homes in that the roof requires special expertise to build as well as there being a greater risk of fire if the property isn’t properly maintained.
Below are some of the most important questions you should ask when buying a thatched roof cottage.
Is the property listed?
This is a very important question to ask if you’re looking to buy a thatched roof cottage. Listed buildings are considered to be of great cultural or historical value and therefore if you own a listed building it’s your responsibility to ensure it’s kept in optimum condition.
It’s also important to find out if the cottage is listed as you’ll need to seek permission from the council if you want to have any structural work carried out on the property.
How are the insurance costs?
The cost of thatched cottage insurance cover can be quite high when compared to more conventional properties
The cost of repairing the thatch isn’t the only thing that insurance providers take into account of course. There are also other consideration such as –
- Where the property is located
- The size of the property
- How secure it is
- How often the chimney is cleaned/inspected
If you get chance to speak to the current owners then you should certainly find out roughly what insurance costs since it might be outside your budget.
If you get contents cover, then the furnishings inside the property can also affect the cost of your insurance. Things like bi fold doors blinds, bookcases, beds etc. can affect how much you pay for cover.
When did the property last have an electrical inspection?
Fire safety is always a key concern for owners of thatched roof properties. It’s often assumed that the main danger for fire comes from the chimney in a thatched roof property but the wiring can be just as big a concern.
For this reason you want to find out when the cottage last had a proper electrical inspection. If it was a considerable amount of time ago then you certainly want to make it a priority to get one done by a fully qualified professional. This will not only give you peace of mind but also help to lower your insurance costs.
When was the chimney cleaned last?
Another key question to ask when you’re buying a thatched roof cottage is when the chimney was last cleaned. Chimneys can pose a big risk for thatched roof property owners since a build up of soot in the chimney flue can easily lead to a fire breaking out.
It’s recommended that you have your chimney cleaned at least once a year when you have a thatched roof property.