Old houses have a lot of character. Much more so than a new house. They have a story and a history that you can honestly feel when you enter. There are almost always little interesting nicks and crannies that make it feel like something to be discovered.
This isn’t to say that buying an old house is full of pleasant surprises and with no downsides. Though there are plenty of pleasant surprises, there are always going to be a few that can end up making life difficult with an old house that you buy.
Some old houses simply are not going to be worth it no matter how charming they are because of the work, time, and money you need to put into it to make it workable.
In this article, we will go over the things you need to look out for when buying an old house so you understand what you’re getting into.
The electrical system
When buying an old house one of the first things that can cause some headaches is the electrical system. In many cases, it was done in the 1950s or even earlier and is not up to code in the present. In fact, it is likely in a very dangerous state, not to mention highly inefficient.
These systems can be updated with new wires and circuit breakers to replace old fuse boxes. If you do have used circuit breakers, then you need to contact them to sell used circuit breakers that can handle your surplus equipment safely, responsibly, and profitably. Fuse boxes are technically safe as they do blow fuses when the system is overloaded to prevent and injury. However, they can actually cause injuries themselves.
Circuit breakers are far more common now and have been in use for decades. Even old circuit breakers should be updated if they are old with new Zinsco breakers. The capacity of old circuit breakers is far lower in older ones since there were fewer devices that were used a long time ago. For instance, if you try to use a microwave, then chances are great that the breaker will trip.
Knob and tube wiring is something to look out for as it is very old. If your house has this type of electrical system then it is going to be very costly to replace.
Essentially, look for an old house whose previous owner has had the electrical system upgraded in the last ten to fifteen years to avoid a costly and time-consuming surprise.
Check for radon
Radon is a gas that is tasteless, odorless, and invisible and it can be very harmful if undetected in your home. Older homes that don’t have a good foundation are prone to high levels of gas if it is located in a radon-prone area.
It is caused by the breakdown of soil, and bedrock and can really happen anywhere. In houses with poor foundations, this gas can seep into the structure through the basement or slab.
You should have a radon test done before you buy the house to see what you are dealing with. Now, if it does have high levels of radon that isn’t a deal breaker as it can be removed or mitigated.
It depends on how the radon is getting into the house. You will need to hire a contractor to get rid of it. How much it will cost depends on the levels and how it is getting into the house. If you love the house then you could still buy it and deal with the radon before moving in. Then just test periodically so you don’t have any surprises down the line.
Hazardous materials
Unfortunately, a long time ago people used building materials that they had no idea were harmful to our health. As a result, when you buy an old home it is likely that you will have to remove some materials like lead and asbestos which were commonly used in different types of old insulation.
Asbestos was used quite a bit in the insulation of houses and when it breaks down the fibers can get in the air and cause lung damage when breathed. And lead paint is a problem if it gets ingested. This is why people with children have to be especially aware of its presence as they love to chew things.
Make sure to have an inspector check for these and other materials used in the construction that will be costly to remove as they require a specialist who can safely remove them.
Structural issues
Sagging and shifting is a common occurrence in old homes. When they do shift a bit, then cracks can happen in the structure of the house and make it unsafe to live in.
Even if the home is still safe to live in, these cracks need to be addressed. Sure, the house may not fall in on you, but the cracks can let in moisture which will cause mold problems and also leaks that can cause further damage to the structure.
Pests will also have a way into the house and cause other issues. If the house is safe to live in, you will need to know how much it will cost to fix the problems. Either you can negotiate the price of the house to cover the cost of the repairs or ask the previous owner to fix them as a condition for the purchase.
Bad plumbing
Old houses are notorious for leaky and terrible plumbing that is prone to blockages. Of course, an old toilet, sink, and bathtub will likely need to be replaced, but the plumbing itself is likely to also need to be upgraded.
Modern plumbing materials are much better these days and are less prone to blockages and leaks. Cast iron pipes were very common until about a few decades ago. These pipes are likely corroded and could be leaching things like rust into your water aside from being a leak waiting to happen.
Upgrading an entire plumbing system is likely going to cost a lot of money so be prepared for some plumbing surprises when you do decide to renovate the bathroom and kitchen. If you are interested in buying property in Melbourne click here.
