Things to Look for When Buying an Old House

Are you in the market to buy a house? If you’re anything like me, you might have a fondness for older homes.

Newly built houses are great with updated features and move-in ready convenience but they’re a little lackluster. Ever noticed how new homes seem to be built on top of each other? And although layouts can be different, the houses end up looking the same with matching architecture, similar color palettes, and cookie cutter yards. Not to mention builder grade fixtures and finishes AKA the lowest cost options. Ok, enough ragging on new construction… (My love for old homes is REAL, people.) 

There’s just something to be said for the charm and craftsmanship that an old house brings to your life. They’re often in established locations on tree-lined streets where no two houses look alike. And the numerous features that easily make a house feel like home… Built-in’s, large windows, hardwood floors, fireplaces, the list goes on! Purchasing an old home has many benefits, but there are things you should consider before buying one.

Foundation

Take a good look over the foundation of the home. Are there any large cracks, bulges or the house is just plain leaning? These are generally signs of a failing foundation which can be a costly fix. If your inspection shows anything structural, get a structural engineer in there before you buy. They’ll examine the issues and determine what the costs would be to fix. 

Outdated Electrical

We use far more electricity than people did fifty or more years ago. The electrical systems in old homes were not designed to keep up with modern usage. If you use a variety of electronics in your daily life, make sure the home you’re interested in buying will work for your needs.

Another thing to keep in mind if you’re considering century old homes is knob and tube wiring. It was prevalent from the 1890’s to 1930’s but became far less used around 1950. A knob-and-tube system can become overloaded leading to poor performance or overheating, which can be a fire hazard.

Lack of Insulation

Many older homes weren’t built with insulation, or what they do have is now old and ineffective. The windows are often single-pane with low insulating properties. To get the most out of any heating or cooling systems (and reduce your bills!), plan to update both insulation and windows. You also have an option to keep the charm of existing windows by weatherstripping and adding storm windows to increase energy efficiency.

Old Pipes

Older pipes are more likely to rust or burst than newer pipes. Check for signs of water damage (like stained or bulging ceilings) before buying. Tree roots could also be growing into the underground plumbing, so be sure your inspector scopes the sewer line to investigate any possible issues.

Lead Paint

If you buy a home built before 1978, you could be dealing with lead paint. Lead can cause significant health problems, particularly in growing children. Check the window casings and door frames for chipping or rubbing paint. If there are any signs, have it tested. You can usually remedy the situation by removing doors and windows frames or painting over affected areas. 

Price

If a home is priced especially low, there’s probably a catch. A house priced lower than expected is usually because the sellers are accounting for something. It could be home repairs they don’t want to complete themselves or outdated features they didn’t bring up to date.

Do your research and due diligence before buying. A house with some or all of these problems could be worth walking away. 

But don’t be turned off simply because all the modern amenities are not there. If the price is right, you could make the necessary repairs and renovations to turn the house into your dream home! Unrenovated homes are often priced lower than newly built and you likely won’t have to sacrifice location. The best part? You can transform the home to reflect your personality and upgrade to fit you and your family’s lifestyle. You can bring that tired home back to life, creating a sanctuary to build countless memories in.