Prefabricated house 1980 - Very well maintained condition

At first, we were also deterred by frustrated internet reports. I eventually got out of that habit because it clouds your perspective on things. We once visited a prefabricated house from 1998 that would have been ideal for us in terms of size, location, and the plot. But then we found some negative reviews online and after a week of constant worrying, we backed off because our gut feeling just wasn’t right anymore. Our circle of acquaintances also confused us about it. Everything from "Strike while the iron’s hot, nothing better will come" to "Oh God, definitely not!" was said. Today, I would simply get a building expert. Although that costs a few hundred euros, then I would really have a sound expert opinion for my decision. That’s what I would also advise you.

I would worry less about the construction and more about the general renovation backlog. Are the windows also 40 years old? Then you should consider new ones. How old is the heating system and what kind of heating is it? Bathrooms? Roof covering? How high are the heating costs?

Best regards

I would worry less about the construction and more about the general backlog of renovations. Are the windows also 40 years old? Then you should consider new ones. How old is the heating system and what type of heating is it? Bathrooms? Roof covering? How high are the heating costs? Regards

Hello, The windows, except for the patio door and another window, were replaced about 10 years ago. The windows that have not been replaced are ones that have never seen rain. We will probably renew these for energy reasons anyway. The bathroom and kitchen are "relatively" modern but will also be renewed and are included in the calculation. Pipes were replaced about 10 years ago due to a burst water pipe. The cellar was also renovated in this step. The heating system is an oil heating system that is also about 10 years old. A gas connection has been laid in the street and could be used. Regards and have a nice weekend!

That all sounds great! You know what has been done, everything is at a level that you can apparently come to terms with. Why not go for it?

In prefabricated houses up to the 1980s, it is also not the obvious damages that lead to bad experiences or recommendations to stay away. Usually noteworthy are either asbestos used in the building materials or the wood preservatives applied. Asbestos in areas not directly exposed to wear (flooring) is uncritical and remains in place without causing damage. Precautions must only be taken during renovations, and if necessary, specialist companies should be engaged to remove the affected components. However, this is generally easy to clarify by inquiries with the manufacturer and a problem to be solved with moderate effort. The wood preservatives used until the 1980s in many buildings (not only prefabricated houses) have subsequently proven to be environmentally harmful, hazardous to health, and partly carcinogenic, which is why today (as far as known) harmless wood preservatives are used. In prefabricated houses, especially a lot of wood was used, unlike in solid houses, even in places where replacement is not or only difficultly possible. Often, these wood preservatives or their vapors (Lindan, PCP, and others) can be recognized by their characteristic odor. However, this is not always the case. Whether critical wood preservatives were used, and in which parts, the manufacturer should also be able to answer you. In case of doubt, samples of house dust can also be taken and examined to be on the safe side. In many cases, especially if nothing unusual is smelled, there is nothing to complain about in prefabricated houses from these years.