questions to ask when viewing an older house

I am going to view a house - its approx. 35 years old. I know the locality etc. I am aware that the house may need insulation pumped into it, old man lived in it.... so will need total refurb... its has new windows and a newish central heating system.

can anyone offer me some questions to ask auctioneer??

Ask about wiring and what state it's in - in fairness, 35 years is not toooooo old. If there's an extension, ask if it is exempt from planning permission. Get a cert of compliance for the electrics. Check the roof (or have your surveyor check it) and attic. Unfortunately, Estate Agents (in my experience) don't have these answers to hand but have them ask the owner. Most of the issues should be checked as part of the survey if the EA isn't forthcoming - have your surveyor check specific things you are concerned about and have the surveyor state exactly what they did check for in their report.

Sprite

These are just some of the things I have learnt to look out for over the last few months while viewing houses...

Check the floor boards - i was recently in a house~ 30 years old that had chipboard floor boards even in the bathroom!

Check the neighbours houses - for intrusive extensions. Some people take advantage of old people and build things that they would not get away with with other people. e.g. overlooking your back garden

Check if the house needs rewiring. But as you say it may need a total refurb.

Does the neighbourhood have gas? Broadband etc...

See can you get a ladder an get into attic.
Viewed an old house last yr and the roof tiles were laid on corrugated iron, this house was about 60 years old so you might be safe enough.

Look out for damp patches.
Stand at back and front of house and inspect bricks/blocks etc make sure no movement.

There is so much you can ask the EA, but he is not going to inspect for any deficiencies. If you really like a house you need an engineer to look at it for you. Like someone else said 35 years isn't really old, so just look for obvious signs of neglect, damp, repair work on the ceilings etc. You should also note that the windows will prob be single glazed and do cjeck for any signs of diy extensions.

Viewed on Friday - believe it or not was in better condition than i thought it would be.
there are neighbours........ its great, back to the country for me i think!!

roof has tiles not slates, so this concerns me slightly as they can absorb the wet.
Windows in fantastic condition - i imagine they were never opened.
only a small patch of damp..... nothing that would concern me.

the only think is now deciding and putting in an offer...................