Things to Think About When Buying an Older Home

Replacing the plumbing is a major expense and can tear up the flooring in your new dream home. Ask if the home is using the original plumbing system, how many rooms are operating on it, and what date contemporary plumbing was added.

The electrical wiring is not only essential for energy. If the wiring is too old or done improperly it could pose a serious fire hazard. Bringing the electrical system up to code could be expensive, but this is one corner you cannot cut. Safety comes first, and whatever your trusted electrician recommends, do it.

The era when a historical home was built most likely pre-dates the age of careful foundation calculation. Be sure to hire an inspector to verify if the home can support a second floor and double check to find out if the upper level was an add-on. In addition, property located in earthquake zones or subject to floods may have suffered faults in

the foundation.

Termite inspection is a standard practice in the transfer of property today. However, older homes may not have had proper termite control treatments. Long-term damage can weaken the structure and foundation and cost you quite a bit to mend.

The insulation is an easy feature to fix, and you will probably have to upgrade or replace it when buying an older home. Before you buy, it is wise to get an estimate and decide if you can live with the upgrade costs.

Homes built in and before the 1970s have a personality all their own. Built-in features, such as wet bars and cumbersome bookcases, can disrupt the flow of a room and limit your placement of furnishings. To save yourself some grief down the road, be sure to envision the living space as you would like to have it and do a calculation for the removal of built-in objects or closed-off walls.

Your dream home may have a few cracks in the walls or water stains on the ceiling. The cosmetic repairs are a snap to fix, but finding the source that created the dings can be a problem.

Water damage is a severe repair and can also contribute to mold setting in. It's better to be safe than sorry, so get everything checked out by a professional.