There are shows galore on TV about home buying, including ones dedicated to renovating older, historic dwellings as well as shopping the market to find great deals on fixer-uppers. Before you get into purchasing an older home, especially if it’s your first time ever considering this type of house, be sure to educate yourself on key areas to look at carefully to make sure you are getting into an investment you can afford and that will suit your needs.
Older homes are charming and the word “character” is often used when describing them. They are filled with unique and sometimes even strange details that we do not see in newer construction and they stand out one from the next because of features like built-in cabinets and shelving, antique hardware, push button light fixtures, high quality materials such as rare hardwoods and tiles, hand painted and handcrafted details, and features such as hand carved banisters. These are all elements of days gone by and add to an older home’s rich heritage and design appeal, making for wonderful conversation pieces and, for the right homeowner, fun projects.
However, older homes can be difficult to deal with, too, if you don’t do your homework and understand costs associated with retrofitting and repairing old structures. Many of the things that can be faulty in an old house are not things that you see often in new construction. Below is a quick list of areas to seriously consider and inspect before you buy an older home:
1. ASBESTOS:
Don’t forget that many older homes still have asbestos in them, a known carcinogen that is outlawed in the United States in terms of usage in construction. Asbestos will need to be taken out by a trained, licensed team skilled in safe and effective removal. They will need the ability to inspect post-project to make sure that all traces of asbestos have been permanently removed.
2. LEAD PAINT:
As with asbestos, lead paint was commonly used many years ago. It is known now to cause health issues, including cancer or even death, and must be removed by a trained professional and replaced with new paint that meets current guidelines. It’s actually the most critical item to look into when considering purchasing an old house and if you have a child under the age of six living in the home, it’s federal law that the paint be removed. Homes built before 1978 are the ones to look into when it comes to lead paint and it’s required that home owners disclose if their home has lead paint in it.
3. LEAKS IN ROOFING:
Small leaks are usually easy to repair and not that costly. Ripping off an entire roof and replacing it and possibly dealing with mold issues is very expensive usually. It’s important to have roofs inspected very carefully and water tested before you buy an old house, as this is one of the more common areas in older homes where problems occur. Hire a trained, known contractor who specializes in roofing to look at the home’s roof and also the roofing on any out buildings prior to making a purchase. They will be able to tell you accurately what you may be facing in terms of time and cost when dealing with repairs or a new roof.
4. FOUNDATION CRACKS, SETTLING. ISSUES WITH SILLS:
You’ve probably been in houses where the basement floor is cracked, uneven, or showing major signs of damage. The foundation of a home is exactly that; if it’s faulty, you entire home is resting on it and it’s a huge repair that may or may not be feasible for you to deal with. Some homes have foundation issues beyond proper repair, so it’s essential to inspect the foundation carefully, as well as sills, to ensure that you are not getting into a house that is basically on shaky ground! The cracks that come up from the foundation can go straight up vertically into the living quarters of the home, cracking walls and windows and causing immense damage.
5. ELECTRICAL:
Flickering lights, shortages in power, and questionable safety are all areas to think about when it comes to an older home’s electrical system. A skilled and licensed electrician will be able to tell you if your potential home has minor or major issues and what the cost will be to ensure the home is up to electrical code. Look for what is known as “knob and tube wiring.” This was very commonly used in the 1890’s through the 1930’s in America and its comprised of single-insulated copper conductors that run within the walls and ceilings. These then pass through the joist and stud drill-holes through protective porcelain insulating tubes. The problem with this system is it doesn’t align with today’s modern home needs in terms of electricity. It has cloth and rubber insulation that can dry out quickly and it can turn brittle. It can also be a tasty snack for rodents to chew on, which is another problem entirely! Beyond this, it is very difficult to get homeowner’s insurance if the house has knob and tube wiring. Definitely go over this aspect with your lender and insurance company before purchasing so that you are informed adequately about the risks and pitfalls you might face if this is in your potential home.
6. PLUMBING:
Plumbing issues are certainly not exclusive to old homes. We see plenty of them in newer construction, too, but they are definitely not pleasant, no matter where they occur. Toilets that don’t flush properly or that overflow, drains that are clogged or not working properly, taps that don’t turn fully or deliver adequate water pressure, and overall issues with leaks that can lead to mold development are common. A licensed plumber can inspect your home top to bottom to note any issues or potential problems with the plumbing system and it’s important to turn on all faucets to make sure that the home is adequately equipped in terms of plumbing structure and water pressure.
7. WATER ISSUES:
Leaks lead to mold. It’s that simple. And mold leads to rotting of wood and other materials, which, if left too long, can cause massive destruction and safety issues. Mold is a major health hazard and the older home you are considering buying may have longstanding water issues that have been neglected. Inspect every inch of the home to see if water damage has occurred and how much it will cost to repair areas where water damage is evident.
8. INSECTS & PESTS:
People tend to think of mice when it comes to pests in older homes. But there are so many other things that can inhabit an old house, especially if that dwelling hast been vacant for a long time or had any sort of faulty protection from nature. Cracked windows, warped doors and improper sealing of a home can lead to everything from bees to rats to snakes to raccoons and much more living inside the house. If there are critters in your potential new home, these should be removed by a trained technician, experienced in the safe removal of pests from houses. Don’t tackle this on your own, as in the pest world, where there is one, there are typically many! Animals can carry all sorts of diseases that can infect humans and cause life-threatening health problems, so let the experts take care of safe removal of any unwanted creatures and insects.
9. OUTLETS:
Check for ungrounded outlets. Look at each outlet and see if there are two holes or three. If they only have two, you will be unable to use devices requiring grounding, like your computer or your TV. These issues need to be fixed by an electrician, as adapters only work so well and for so long. They burn out and are not a long-term solution. This is a common area where a home needs attention, so by all means it should not steer you from
buying an older home. It’s simply something that as technology has developed and changed, older homes are in need of upgrades that meet our present day lifestyle.
10. STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS:
This is a big one, obviously. The structure of a home should be inspected top to bottom and everything from joists to load bearing walls to siding and supports need to be examined. Many older homes have structural issues that are minor and are simply the result of time wearing and tearing on the home. These are areas a skilled contractor can do repairs and ensure that the home is safe and that the structure is solid, ready for its next several years.
Beyond this 10 point checklist, make sure you work with a realtor who understands old houses. Ask about track record in buying and selling of older homes, issues dealt with, and a list of recommended vendors who can assist in the repair and renovation of these types of dwellings. It’s critical to work with someone who has a passion for old houses and who is knowledgeable about everything that goes into buying a home that has seen many years. With the right professionals, this purchase can be a fun, safe, and enjoyable one.
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