Don't Let the Charm of an Older Home Make you Careless

Historic homes sometimes offer more charm and character than the newer houses of today. They boast gabled roofs, crown moldings, hardwood floors and antique fixtures. Buying an older house is like buying a piece of local history. Beautiful period features can lend a timeless beauty and grace that is hard to resist.

However, buying a house from another era can be an endeavor fraught with potential problems. Older houses are not necessarily built to the same electrical or plumbing standards of today. Also, if they have not been maintained correctly through the years, they can turn into a serious money pit… or a potential hazard.

Here are six tips to keep in mind if you are considering buying an older home:

1. Always hire a professional real estate inspector to take a close look at the property. A professional inspector is trained to spot structural damage or issues that might seem minor, but may cause major problems in the future. (Choosing an inspector that is also a structural engineer is probably a good idea!)
2. Look for signs of moisture damage, which is a common issue with many older houses.
3. If the house you are considering has vintage wiring, such as the knob-and-tube technology that was popular around the 1920s and 1930s, plan to completely update the wiring for your safety. Some of them may have been updated a long time ago to a two-wire system which still needs replacing...or may have older fuse panels.
4. You might need to add insulation. Many older homes don’t have insulation in the walls or attic, which can increase the size of your energy bill.  Beware of homes with UFFI insulation.
5. Be on the look out for iron pipes, which were popular up until 1940. They can become clogged with rust and may need to be replaced.  Some homes may have had the plumbing updated to galvanized steel, which is also a major concern.
6. Consider having the house tested for lead paint or asbestos,if it was built before the 1960s.

Take time to inspect the property thoroughly. With proper attention, you can mix today’s modern technology with your home’s period features to create a combination of charm and safety.

Contact me today for a free Home-Buyer's Toolkit or to talk about the real estate market in your neighbourhood!