Are you planning to buy an old house? Well, they have certain charming design features that most modern homes don’t have. Some of them are coffered ceilings, shutters, wood-burning fireplace, clawfoot tub, transom windows, archways, and sleeping porches. However, potential buyers should be careful not to buy homes that have many problems forcing them to dig deep into their pockets for repair and maintenance. The good news is that you can discover some of these problems when doing a home inspection. Some of the issues that can be unnecessary nuisance include:
Foundation issues.
If the house has an uneven floor such that you can feel it while walking, it is a clear indicator that the house was not built on a firm foundation. You should look for a structural engineer to help you conduct a thorough inspection of the foundation. Besides, doors and windows that fail to latch correctly can be brought about by foundation problems. Wall cracks are also a sign of foundation issues. It would be wise to carry out a quick exterior inspection. This will help you look for bulges in the foundation walls.
Deteriorating roofs.
Older homes present different roofingproblems such as interior water damage, sagging gutters, pest infestation, missing shingles, and crumbling roof cement. If you plan to buy an old house, you must evaluate the roof’s age and condition. You can hire a roof inspector as he will inform you of any red flags. He will also predict the roof’s lifespan. If the roof has a longer lifespan, but a small section has been damaged, then you can repair the damaged part. However, if a bigger portion has been damaged, then it would be wise to replace the whole roof.
Energy inefficiency.
The designers and constructors of older homes did not have energy-saving tips in mind. As a result, they built houses with poorinsulation systems. Most of these houses have single-pane inefficient windows that can bring about higher electricity bills. You can do yourself a favor by replacing them with energy-efficient double-pane windows.
Old mechanicals and appliances.
Generally, old homes are associated with old mechanical equipment like boilers, water heaters, and air-conditioning units. The lifespan of each piece of equipment may vary depending on its workload and brand. If a piece of equipment has served for more than 10 years, then there are higher chances that it may fail anytime and would require urgent replacement. Besides, older equipment is known to be less energy-efficient thus leading to increased electricity bills. Before moving in, you can consider replacing all these items. Shopladder is offering the best household items at pocket-friendly prices. However, one must read through their reviews to know the previous customers’ … Read more
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