Regardless of the quality of workmanship and the materials used during construction, specific components of a home can begin to fail with age. Below we’ll look at a few of the most common concerns in older homes. Talk to your home inspector if you are considering buying or selling an older property.
A Neglected Older Home Might Not Be a Smart Purchase
A neglected home is more likely to become a source of problems in the future. Before buying an older home, ask the inspector to look for indications that it hasn’t been cared for. Things like cracked paint, stained tiles and damaged flooring, rusty fixtures, and broken appliances could point to the possibility that the house was not well-maintained.
Concerns in Older Homes: Electric Wiring that Needs to be Upgraded
An electrical fire is one of the most common risks with an older property. If the previous owner didn’t upgrade outdated wiring, the breaker box, or faulty electrical outlets, this puts you at risk.
Your family might be placing a higher demand on the system than it can handle. A professional home inspector will point out issues such as ungrounded outlets, the absence of GFCI protection, and circuit breakers that date back to the previous century.
Concerns In Older Homes: Foundation Issues
Without a strong foundation, there is nothing to support the house, and the damage that can occur could be expensive to fix. Pay attention to the home inspection findings. Some signs of problems with the foundation include:
- Sloping floors
- Windows or doors that no longer close properly
- Large cracks in the drywall or the exterior or interior walls
If your inspector finds issues, investigate the cause. It may be normal wear and tear, but these problems can be due to saturated soil, tree roots, or house shifting. The severity of the issue will determine the cost of repairing it.
Common Concerns in Older Homes Include Roof Damage
Different types of roofing materials have various life expectancies. An asphalt shingle roof lasts between 15 years and 25 years. Severe weather and natural disasters can significantly reduce a roof’s lifespan. Failing or badly damaged roofing materials often lead to problems in other areas of the home.
Roof leaks cause structural issues and mold growth inside the property. Warning signs include rusting or warped gutters, missing shingles, and moisture in the top floor or attic. Find out when the last roof replacement was done if you are looking at buying an older home. You don’t want to risk paying for expensive repairs or a total roof replacement immediately after moving in.
Precision Home Inspectors serves Eastern Virginia with inspection services. Contact us to schedule an appointment for any of our services.