Buying an older home is an excellent way to enjoy many architectural features that you simply do not find in new homes. Older homes bring with them a kind of timeless charm, something very special which is why they have remain a popular choice. In fact, the number of older home sales is actually on the rise. If you want an older home instead of a newer home, you need to consider a few things.
First, always hire a professional inspector before signing anything. This way, any unexpected problems or expenses can be identified before you make a commitment. One of the most important parts of any home, especially an older home is the foundation. The truth is that foundational problems can be fixed but sometimes, the problem can be a huge unwanted expense.
For instance, if the home has a cracked foundation, it must be fixed. Let alone, it will eventually become worse and worse, allowing the home to flood. You see, in earlier days, homebuilders used cinder blocks and cement for the foundation, much different from what we seen in newer homes. Over time, these foundations would begin to crack and then leak. As water continues seeping into the home, it not only damages the inside but also the structure, which then becomes dangerous.
Second, lead pipes and paint can be a serious risk. For pipes, these were replaced during the 1940s with galvanized steel. Then in the 1980s, piping material changed again to copper. For lead paint, this was commonly used prior to the 1970s. If lead paint were to be ingested by a small child or pet, serious health risks are posed, along with possible death. While there are some less expensive means of taking care of lead pipes, the best solution is to have them replaced. However, this can cost thousands of dollars. For the paint, this would need to be removed and the entire home redone.
Finally, a potential problem in almost every older home has to do with electricity. Unfortunately, the amps for older homes were only 60 or 100 whereas today, only 200 amps were used. In addition, wiring in older homes was not grounded. If you look at an older home, check out the electrical outlets. If you notice that only two prongs exist, chances are the outlets are not grounded. The problem is that rooms with water such as the kitchen or bathroom did not have today’s standard ground fault interrupter, which is designed to shut down power instantly if water is present on the outlet. The best option is to again, use a reputable inspector to spot these deficiencies for cost and safety purposes.