"Mike Mitchell" wrote in message
...
Okay, here's the story. I am now considering a property in
Lincolnshire. This is a very, very old cottage, at least 150 years, I
reckon. The setting is isolated and idyllic. But I made some enquiries
from the agent, who told me that the building had been underpinned at
the rear some years ago. I have not yet visited the property.

Some questions:

Buildings of that era had no foundations, true?

Not none, just very shallow. Our house was extended four times (at least)
from 1600 to the present day so we can see the trend quite well.


Does underpinning cure, or postpone, a problem?

Just make sure the whole property was done or it could make things worse.



What is the cost of errecting a new traditionally built bog-standard
detached house with two to three bedrooms? I'm talking ball-park here.
Absolutely bog-standard, but well constructed, with cavity walls,
solid internal walls, at least downstairs, lots of insulation, quality
windows and doors, floorboards instead of chipboard. In effect, what
would the building cost be for a slighlty better than "council house"
design? £60,000? £80,000? This has to be for the finished habitable,
product.

£80k sounds right.



If house has stood anyway for 150 years, it's likely to remain for a
good few years yet, true?

Far longer than you'll be anyway. Note that you won't get permission to
demolish it if that is what you are thinking. First hint of an application
and it will be spot-listed.