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’ complaints, experiences, and feedback. This will help you know whether they offer high-quality products and whether they give expert advice on the best energy-efficient appliances that are worth purchasing.
Unsafe electrical system.
If you are planning to buy an old house, then you must update the electric system before moving in. Potential homeowners should be cautious of any exposed wires as they may lead to shock, and fire breakage. Besides, failing service panels and circuit breakers can bring about shock, electrical fire, and power failure. Keep in mind that water damage and a pest infestation can also destroy an entire electrical system. It would be wise to hire a licensed electrician as he will help you analyze and fix all the electric issues.
Substandard features.
At times older houses have a lot of charm. Based on the location of the house, its style, and history, some features may not measure up to the current building standards or they may be unsafe. Some of them are low ceilings, old laundry chutes, blocked-off chimneys, worn-out mattresses, steep staircases, old furniture, and non-working fireplaces. To make your home more presentable and improve its worth, consider replacing some of these issues.
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