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....in my new garden, haven't had time to look properly but at the bottom of my garden are two run down wooden sheds, one in amongst some trees (propertys been empty for 3 years) the other is falling down.
Went and had a look to see how much hard work they will be to get rid of and the larger, tree ridden one has foundations, what look like brick, plastered walls (can't get in to see properly yet) wooden cladding that made it look like an old wooden shed, and a mains electricity supply.
I was going to knock them down and build a shed/outbuilding there, but now I might be able to save and salvage this one.
What do I need to look for to see if the building is for knocking down? Damp etc? And the roof? How do I know if it's going to be more expensive to rebuild than repair?
The plaster will show any damp very clearly, look for stains bottom (rising) and top (leaking roof).
Check the roof timbers for stains, tiny holes (woodworm) or crumbling.
I'm guessing the structure is block clad over, so the block will probably be ok.
The main thing will be the roof, even if it needs a new one, some WPB ply boards and a roll of roofing felt will sort it. Definately worth trying to save.
Tread carefully when you get inside.
If the roof is still water tight, then the structure of rafters, trusses and possibly collars, will be more than likely fine. If it has leaked, wear a hard hat, just in case!
As above, look for blown plaster or bricks or mortar for signs of damp. At low level, not a biggy as you can sort that.
Lucky you!
Don't forget asbestos!
Brilliant, thanks for all the tips. I'm going to go and have look in a bit. How do I check for asbestos?
Going to get reputation as a nutter with the new neighbours walking round the garden in my bike helmet!
Some pics here, it's not brick like it looked before I could get in, but on closer inspection its wooden with what looks like a render on the inside? Hope you can see in the photos, there's some rot and the floors goosed, roofs bowed but in tact so there's definately a leak in the roof.
Reckon it's salvageabe?
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How did you end up buying a house and not knowing what condition the outbuildings were in?
If you have the money I would knock it down and start again.
I couldn't get at this shed properly, it was overgrown. From what I could see I had two wooden sheds to knock down, now I've cut the wildness back ones not in that bad condition, is that okay with you?
ourmaninthenorth - MemberDon't forget asbestos!
What he said.
I wouldn't recommend smashing it to bits without someone giving it a once-over.
It's doubtful they would have used asbestos on that, but worth keeping an eye open for it.
Personally I'd knock it down and start afresh - if it's been overgrown it will have been subject to damp conditions for a long time and is just nor worth the effort involved in trying to save it.
Ok cheers, looks condemned then!
Burn it!
One of these it is then!