10 FOCUS POINTS YOU CAN NOT NEGLECT WHEN BUYING A RIAD #PART 2

Becoming owner and protector of a historic property, a riad, includes for your own best, knowing as much as possible about the structural state of the building before closing the deal.
It is crucial to be aware of the condition of a property, and the tools to use to get a dream in stead of a disillusion.
My years on living here, closing deals, having seen all kinds of riads from cheap to chic while getting to understand the Moroccan market will help you to build a honest first impression and a perspective on the possibilities.

So I came up with a list on essential focus points the are ready to use when you start investigating the Moroccan Medina's to find your 1001 night magic house...

I use them myself when selecting property to get a fair picture on what it takes to realise your ultimate Medina house.

So here is part two on what to focus on BEFORE buying a riad.

Want to know more ...stay tuned or leave your mail address here or keep an eye on the blog.

3)Look at the overall shape of the walls.

We already looked at the outside walls. They are all supporting walls. Inner walls, however, do not all have to play an important role but often throughout the years, they have been subjects to minor or quite  major reconstructions. Often in a way that it is not clear what role they actually play. Try to see the configuration of the building on all levels.
What walls are built on another?
How thick are they?

Remark! It might be possible that massive walls might have been reduced in size to gain some space during the years. So investigate carefully!
If you notice cracks like this above a  beam, it for sure means that the beam is not strong enough to carry what's above. This means action to prevent the house to get unstable.

4)Be creative with the rooms.

all of you who ever visited or stayed in a riad can confirm rooms are narrow...

Less is more when it comes to furniture and the size of it.
You can get creative with colour and ornaments and decoration.
But keep your furniture in relation to the size of the room.
It will make it look more spacious!
Pay attention to the existing authentic ornaments and try to make them the centrepiece.

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Next time  more tips on looking at your dream property!

- the stairs, or the way to the top!

- authentic details.

If you are in need of a visit on site contact me here or get more info here

10 FOCUS POINTS YOU CAN NOT NEGLECT WHEN BUYING A RIAD #PART 1

Becoming owner and protector of a historic property, a riad, includes for your own best, knowing as much as possible about the structural state of the building before closing the deal.
It is crucial to be aware of the condition of a property, and the tools to use to get a dream in stead of a disillusion.
My years on living here, closing deals, having seen all kinds of riads from cheap to chic while getting to understand the Moroccan market will help you to build a honest first impression and a perspective on the possibilities.

So I came up with a list on essential focus points the are ready to use when you start investigating the Moroccan Medina's to find your 1001 night magic house...

I use them myself when selecting property to get a fair picture on what it takes to realise your ultimate Medina house.

Over the coming weeks I will go a little deeper into them.

Want to know more ...stay tuned or leave your mail address here or keep an eye on the blog.

1)Invest some time in the neighbourhood.

I do not want to talk about good and bad neighbourhoods because I know it just take some trendsetters to make a 'quartier' swing to being rocking popular. And you just might be one of those creative leaders. The advantage I always saw in buying in these less attractive area's were diverse. Going from more for your money to being surrounded by creative class people that were thinking outside the box.

On the contrary, you might not at all feel the need to fit into these area's and all you would like is to have an established surrounding with like minded neighbours.

Therefore:

take a visit both at daytime, evening and if possible book a hotel to get the nightlife around.

You might be charmed and even more in love with your newly discovered house or you might cross that one off the list immediately.

No one else but you knows better! So listen to your own feelings.

2)What about the outside walls.

Outside walls...

They protect you, they set the borders, and they can allow you, when in good shape, to build another level. But often these walls are built over by neighbours, they have been reduced in shape over the years or...they just might be perfect.

The best spot to investigate this is at the rooftop. You get a clear view on the surrounding walls if higher and you see the marks of your own walls underneath, that would serve as foundation for an extra level.

I know it takes an expert eye but try to get as much information as possible on these walls and ownership. It might save you a lot of trouble later on.

Another point to focus on, of course, is the shape they are in. The old authentic walls often are up to 50 or 60 cm thick and cracks might be just on the surface in the first layer of bricks. Nothing to worry then, but when you see the same crack also on the inside, there 'could' be something more going on.

Everything can be solved, but it is wise to get someone else to look at it in a case like this.

Next time I will give you some more tips on looking at your dream property!

- the structure of the house

- the size of the rooms

If you are in need of a visit on site contact me here or get more info here