What to Look Out for When Buying an Old House

An old house for sale.

30 Aug What to Look Out for When Buying an Old House

Posted at 13:16h in Tips and Tricks by

Looking to purchase an old house? If you’re the type of person who appreciates the older architecture appeal and charm, then this will be a rewarding choice for you.

Old Houses Come with Old Problems

Although older houses bring irrefutable historical character and individuality, there are a few things you need to be aware of before buying one.

Foundation Cracks and Water Issues

An older house has stood the test of time because of a stable foundation—it’s what the entire structure sits upon. However, many old houses can have foundation issues due to general wear and tear, weather, and wet soil or tree root activity. In order to make the house livable, you need to hire a structural engineer to inspect and repair any damages or cracks. Experts can assess the situation and ensure the foundation is acceptable and/or repairable.

Warn roof on an old house

Missing or Damaged Roof

The roof is a more common issue when it comes to older houses. If a house is extremely old (50 years or more), the roof shingles likely have depreciated and become less effective. Depending on the roof type, its quality and efficiency can deteriorate based on weather, maintenance (or lack thereof), and quality of installation. Consider reaching out to professionals in your area to get an estimate on repair or replacement.

Out of Code Electricity

Older homes usually have old electrical setups which can’t withstand modern usage and appliances such as HVAC systems, computers, televisions, and more. Therefore, you need to ensure that the house wiring and breakers/fuses are updated before you move in. Among the areas to pay attention to are knob and tube wiring. This kind of wiring was common in the early 1900s and is likely to be no longer effective.

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