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5 Tips for Buying an Older Home
There is nothing like the charm of an older home. Homes from previous eras have the character that cannot be found in today’s architecture. Perhaps, it is the quaint rooms with little nooks and crannies that entice the active buyer. However, when choosing between an older home and a newer one, there are many things that you must consider. Here are some tips to ensure you make a wise decision on your next purchase.
- Make Sure Wiring Is Up To Code
The wiring is one of the most important parts of the home. Without proper wiring, you will have breakers blowing every time you turn things on. Make sure the electrical system has been updated. If the home has an old fuse box, then you need to make sure that you allocate money to upgrade the electric. Additionally, old nob and tube writing can be a fire hazard. You can cut corners and live with old tiles or a lackluster wall color, but you cannot live with wiring that is not up to code.
- Is The HVAC System Effective?
Every home needs some sort of HVAC system to provide comfort. Whether the heat of summer or the ice of winter, your home can be pretty uncomfortable without a functioning unit. Many older homes have radiators or one large vent in the middle of the floor. They often supplement heat in the olden days with fireplaces. If your home had this type of set-up, then you will probably see ample fireplaces within your home. One large main vent for a forced air system is not adequate. This means there are no ducts in the home, save the one to this vent.
Running ducts and installing a new unit is costly. Radiators can also be a pain. While they work better than the one duct unit, they don’t provide AC. If you see radiators and or that large one vent, chances are the home has no AC other than window units. Be sure to consider the costs when buying this home. Caldwell Banker recommends that you make sure your furnace is electric or gas. Those who get fuel oil furnaces may have exceptionally high heating bills.
- Watch Out For Mold and Mildew
Depending on the part of the country in which you live, older homes are often built over basements. These basement areas often attract mold and mildew. Mold can be a costly problem to fix. Mold should be identified in a home inspection, however, you should be aware of the potential for a problem that these areas provide.
- Be Leery of Old Pipes
If you are lucky enough to find copper pipes in the home you want to buy, then you are in luck. However, most older homes have metal pipes that corrode and fill with debris over time. The plumbing needs to be inspected. You could have sediment built up that impedes the water flow. You may hear banging and squeaking when the pipes are turned on too. This is all from pipes that have air in them. When it comes to older homes and all their potential problems, a home warranty program can help to protect you.
- Make Sure It Has Good Paint or Siding
This is a purely cosmetic issue. However, you will be thankful if you choose a home that has a good paint job. It can cost thousands of dollars to repaint an old home. They have weird peaks and angles and that all costs more to do. You want to make sure that a home’s exterior is in good shape. Old wood siding often rots from bugs and weather. If you attempt to repaint a home with massive damage, it could cost way more than you ever imagined. It is a big job to repaint a home, and it is a costly one at that.
Before buying a home, make sure you have an inspector on speed dial. Hire the best inspector in the business. You want them to comb through the house looking for any little thing that is out of place. Remember, it is a 30-year investment, so, you need to make sure that you are making wise decisions. Old house asks people to keep an open mind about older homes. They are not maintenance free, and they will require some time and effort.
