Thatched roof properties have a unique style and character that’s impossible to replicate and are often located in very desirable areas, which is why so many people dream of owning one.

If you’re considering buying a thatched roof property and have a disability then you might be worried that it won’t be suitable.

Below are some of the main things to consider with a thatched roof property –

Accessibility

If you have a disability that limits your movement then accessibility is going to be an obvious concern. There are a lot of thatched roof properties that are bungalows, which of course removes the worry of getting up and down the stairs. Most properties are also easily accessible via the front or back door so there isn’t anything in particular that would pose a concern compared to a regular property.

There are also steps you can take to improve accessibility, such as getting bifold blinds rather than curtains. If you suitable doors, then it’s also important to pick the right bifold door blinds.

Roof maintenance

If you have a thatched roof property then you’d need to make sure the roof is properly maintained. Although the roof itself will last a long time, it will need to be inspected/repaired every 8-10 years. For this reason it’s important to find out when the roof was last inspected when purchasing a thatched property.

Is the property listed?

There are some thatched roof properties that are listed buildings. A listed building is one that is considered to be of significant historical or cultural value. The reason it’s important to know if a property you’re considering is listed is because it will affect whether you’re able to have any structural work carried out on it. If you wanted to have work carried out that would affect the exterior appearance or structure of the property then you’d need to obtain permission from the local council.

Getting the right type of insurance

When you have a thatched roof property, you’ll need to get the right type of insurance. Regular home insurance usually isn’t suitable due to the cost and expertise required to repair/replace a thatched roof. Because of this you’ll want to get quotes from a site such as Thatchedinsure.co.uk Thatch roof home insurance.

Chimney cleaning

Having the chimney cleaned regularly is vital when you have a thatched roof property. One of the biggest hazards of owning a thatched roof home is the risk of fire. If a fire were to break out due to to a poorly cleaned chimney then it can spread extremely quickly and cause total damage.