cracked roof beams - is it a problem?

[Doggit]

There was obviously something in the floor, but as it's gone, worry more about getting replacement tiles. But you could look at the wall outside, and see if there's any evidence. As to the kitchen, am I right in thinking that's a gas water heater on the wall; if it is, reckon to change it for an electric water heater, either instant type, or 15ltr store. As to the wooden beam, body or wood filler will strengthen the beam, but you could try asking the seller why it was done.

Best of luck, it looks like it'll be fun

 

[suiko]

Thanks The bit on the floor is actually under the stairway, so the wall nearby is the kitchen wall, not an outside wall.

The water heater (in the kitchen but also for the bathroom upstairs, of course) is gas, but is actually new - the owner just put in a new kitchen and bathroom. Why do you say replace it? I don't like the new bathroom much (it's a tough one, as there's no natural light), but it is certainly serviceable for a while, and I am short of money now!

You mean ask why the beam was filled, I imagine?

 

[suiko]

A few more pics...

 

[Doggit]

I have aspergers syndrome, so don't worry about asking daft questions. The water heater looks like an open flue type, and can leak CO into the kitchen, so even if it's new, get a CO alarm.

 

[suiko]

OK, that's good... I'm good at daft questions

Not sure how you can see the water heater, but you're probably right. It's the kind where the gas comes on when you turn on a tap (presumably the cheapest type).

 

[Doggit]

If I can't see the water heater, then what's in the kitchen above the microwave. Where's the bathroom?

 

[suiko]

Ah, now I get it! No, that's a different house - I posted that pic to show what the cubbyhole/cupboard things that they have a lot in this kind of house look like. That was what I thought the thing in the floor might have been - they took out a cupboard thing like this. Esp as it's under the stairs (to the right of where the sofa is in the last pics I posted).