Carpet in the bathroom, foam in the attic - the telltale signs that dream home will turn into a giant money pit

Looking for a new home? Philip Mount, manager at estate agent Churchill Estates, says: ‘Although no cause for panic, it shows the value of paying extra for a full building survey rather than just a basic condition report.’ Prices to fix cracks start from £10 for a tub of Polyfilla to sort out a cosmetic problem up to £50,000 to fix serious subsidence. To rip all this dated stuff out and replace it all with slick modern units would cost thousands of pounds.’ You might budget £10,000 to renovate a bathroom that includes a walk-in shower, while the cost of installing a new kitchen can be £25,000. These were all the rage in the mid-1950s but these chunky old plastic boxes – with large fuses that look like giant dominoes pieces – indicate the entire wiring in the house may be dated,’ says Baum. You may spot major upcoming work, such as essential roof repairs, which can cost a one-off £50,000.’ Old fittings: You might have to budget £10,000 to renovate a tired old bathroom with a walk-in shower No reception Take out your phone when viewing a property to check you have reception.