When deciding to invest in a second-hand house, the most important factor to consider is the condition of the property being purchased. A lower price often comes with greater wear and tear on materials and structures, especially for houses acquired through auctions from the Department of Legal Execution and other private entities. These homes have been used and some may have been abandoned for years, leading to more deterioration compared to well-maintained houses. Therefore, it is crucial to pay close attention to the structure, which serves as a measure of the value of the building we are about to buy. If any abnormalities are found, a price assessment should be conducted for further negotiation. TerraBKK has previously discussed general methods for buying second-hand houses wisely in How To Inspect Second-Hand Houses to Minimize Repair Costs, which covers how to choose a second-hand house that requires the least repairs. The following is a deeper dive into the specific aspect of "structure," which is equally important. Key observations for the structure include: Cracks - It is essential to distinguish whether the cracks appearing in various corners of the house are due to plaster or structural issues. More information can be found in the section on small cracks versus problems that expand across walls. Signs of Extensions - It is common for families to expand due to improved circumstances or various factors leading to the addition of different parts of the house. This can affect the original structure of the house to some extent. We can learn what extensions have been made by asking the previous owner or observing areas that appear unbalanced. If the house is in a development where the designs are typically identical, we can also compare with neighboring houses.
Extensions can be done in various ways, both correctly and incorrectly, which can burden the original structure. This can be observed from the joints between the buildings. The correct method involves distinctly separating the structure of the old building from the new addition. For example, if a kitchen is to be added, it should be built adjacent to the original building but completely separate in terms of structure—columns, beams, and walls—allowing the extension to stand independently. The problematic method involves attaching the new extension to the old building, using shared walls and beams, which can lead to uneven settling between the house and the extension, potentially causing the house to collapse easily. Signs of Raised Floors or Fill Dirt - Land leveling is a basic step to strengthen the house's structure. However, it can settle due to various factors such as flooding or new road construction, which may raise the street in front of the house. Of course, raising the floor and filling dirt is not an easy task. To avoid future issues, in addition to observing the level between the street and the house, one must also consider the weight of the house. A simple way to calculate the weight of the house is: 10 cm of concrete = an additional weight of 240 kg per square meter. The thicker the concrete, the greater the weight pressing down, increasing the risk of settling. Observing the structure requires careful attention and a high level of expertise, so it is advisable to seek assistance from professionals for inspection.

Small Cracks and Problems Expanding Across Walls The structure, including columns, beams, ceilings, and floors, are components of the house that, if repaired, can lead to significant expenses as they involve the core of the house. Therefore, regular inspection and maintenance should not be overlooked. Cracks come in various types, can occur in many locations, and affect the house differently. Which types are dangerous?

Article by: TerraBKK.com