Am I mad to be buying a 1930's semi with a flat roof extension - specifically when it comes to heating costs?

[DIYRalph]

I am in the final stages of agreeing to buy a house and having serious second thoughts - I have some joint problems that flare up when I'm cold so a house that is difficult/expensive to heat would be a bit of a nightmare for me.

The house in question is a 1930's semi - has double glazing but I think the windows are a resonable age - I notice that they've stuck some of that insulating film on one of the bedroom windows (the box room which has a childs cot in it), which leads me to believe that perhaps the double glazing isn't doing what it should.

The house has cavity wall insulation and only has 100mm loft insulation vs the current building regs of 270mm I believe. The kitchen is a flat roof extension and has two big windows which whilst great for natural light will probably, when combined with the flat roof, mean that's an ice box during the winter months?

EPC rating is D62.

Am I being paranoid or could I be saving myself a lot of money and discomfort by buying a newer house?

Have any of you been in this situation and know of alterations that could be made that would help a house of this age keep a bit more heat? The loft is boarded so increasing the loft insulation thickness isn't simple unfortunatley.

 

[johnny2007]

Flat roofs are not colder than tiled ones.
Worse case scenario you'll need a new flat roof insulation and finish (fibreglass, rubber, felt, etc.).
That would only cost 3k/4k which in the grand scheme of buying a house it's peanuts.
Topping up the loft insulation costs peanuts and you can do it yourself, although I've always been sceptical about the massive layer of insulation now required by new regulations.
My house went from very cold to very warm and heat efficient by adding 200mm rockwool insulation.

 

[robinbanks]

My house went from very cold to very warm

Knackered thermostat?!

 

[johnny2007]

Knackered thermostat?!

No, but incidentally around the same time I started taking ginseng

 

[robinbanks]

Menopause comes for us all in one way or another!

 

[RrogerD]

Whether you think it a good buy or not a good buy is up to you. Only you know what you can afford and what your desires are. People buy old stone cottages with water dripping off the walls and are happy, it suits them and their circumstances.
Are you struggling with bills? Struggling with putting food on the table? If not then tbh I wouldn't worry too much about everything you describe. But that may be just me. We heat just the room/s we are sitting in and if cold then, just put an extra jumper or a blanket around. Never bothered me.

 

[foxhole]

You could lower kitchen ceiling and add 100mm Celotex .
Depends on your plans , had a 30’s built home with two flat roofs but eventually extended and replaced flat roof’s.
Current double glazing is 28mm thick , what are those in house ?