An Oldie but a Goodie
While fresh and new has its benefits, the charm of an older home can be very appealing—solid construction, unique finishes, and lots of character. Regardless of a home’s appearance on the outside, you’ll need a thorough inspection if you’re looking to buy an older property. Your real estate agent can help you set up a home inspection to address these concerns, but here are a few important items to consider.
Hazardous Materials
Houses built before the 1978, when lead paint was banned in the U.S., might have layers of lead paint hidden under fresher coats. Usually, you find lead paint around the windows, doors, trim and on painted floors. Your best bet may be to pay for a certified lead inspector to assess the home. Prices vary on what it can cost to actually remove lead paint; for more information check out the Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.
Asbestos is another material that is commonly found in older homes. Asbestos was used to insulate plumbing pipes, in floor tiles and wall and ceiling plaster. While asbestos is an incredible fire stopping material, it is extremely hazardous if it is friable or airborne.
Mechanical Systems
Be sure to check the heating system. If there’s a boiler, find out if it is more than 20 years old. If there’s a chimney, have it inspected for any deterioration or soot build-up. And, find out what condition the radiators are in to make sure the system is still working.
Some older homes have a system called knob and tube wiring. This kind of wiring uses paper insulation around the wires; if this paper disintegrates, the wires become exposed and create a potential fire hazard.
Along the same lines, plumbing pipes in older homes could be brass with lead-based solder or galvanized steel. Both of these materials could make your supply water hazardous to drink. Your inspector can identify pipe material and test your water supply at the time of inspection.
Condition of Foundation
In older homes, the mortar used between foundation stones may deteriorate and cause potential leaks or structural problems. Homes with concrete block foundations can experience the same sorts of problems. Be aware of cracks in foundations that might indicate things like water infiltration. Any smell of mildew in the basement should be a red flag that water has seeped in; your inspector will be on the lookout for mold as well.
If you’re looking to purchase an older property, have a conversation with your agent. They will be able to help you find an experienced inspector and help you navigate these potential challenges.