Purchasing an Old House? 8 Problems You Should Look Out For
Whether you are on a tight budget or adore historical charm, buying an old house can be a great idea. However, while an older property is easier on the wallet, it can also come with certain problems.
From structure issues to outdated appliances, there are several upgrades you need to consider when purchasing an older house. In this post, we’re sharing eight common problems you may encounter when purchasing an old property.
- Structural Issues
First, it is essential to check for the presence of any potential structural issues to ensure the house is safe to live in. You are likely to come across some normal wear and tear, such as cracks on the wall or stuck windows, which can be easily repaired. However, sagging floors and crumbling walls are serious concerns that should be immediately addressed. We recommend conducting a thorough home inspection to discover issues that may not be visible to the naked eye.
- Roof Leaks
A leaking roof could be indicating a much more serious problem. From missing nails to pooling water, it is important to look for various signs pointing toward a faulty roof. If the roof is older than a few decades, it is best to get it replaced.
- Damaged Floors
While hardwood floors age beautifully, old floors have probably collected plenty of scratches, scuffs, and other damage over the years. Although, replacing aged flooring and installing new flooring can be an expensive undertaking.
Fortunately, there’s an affordable alternative available. You can look for an expert specialising in restoring timber floors in Sydney. With the help of a floor restoration expert, you can cost-effectively bring your floors back to life with sanding, polishing, sealing, and staining.
- Outdated Appliances
There’s no doubt that an aged home offers unparalleled aesthetic appeal. However, it may also come with decades-old appliances that barely function. Unless you are willing to put up with the everyday inconveniences of outdated appliances, it would be best to upgrade them. Newer appliances not only offer better performance, but are also a lot more energy-efficient.
Understandably, ultra-modern appliances with stainless steel exteriors will look odd in your old-fashioned interiors. We recommend collaborating with an interior designer to find creative ways to conceal modern appliances with cabinetry.
- Water Damage
From a musty odour to high levels of humidity, you may notice signs of water damage around the house. If the water damage is relatively new, it is important to get it fixed quickly, before the problem becomes worse.
However, old water damage could weaken the foundation, which can be a costly repair. In that case, it’s important to take this expense into account when purchasing the house.
- Electrical Issues
Major electrical issues can be a nightmare to deal with. After all, you probably don’t want to drain your savings on the house with an outdated or problematic electrical system. Just like appliances, you should ensure that your home is equipped with an up-to-date electrical system.
- Faulty Plumbing
From leaks to contamination, old pipes can lead to plenty of issues. If there’s visible rusting or discoloured water, these indicate faulty plumbing. It’s a good idea to get the plumbing system fixed before moving in.
- Hazardous Materials
Buildings built before the 1970s could contain asbestos, and this is particularly relevant to private homes and offices built around that time. Long-term exposure to asbestos causes several health conditions, including asthma, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Therefore, it’s imperative that you get your home inspected for traces of asbestos and get it safely removed. Besides asbestos, lead-based paint is another building material you should look out for.
Wrapping Up
Nostalgia lovers tend to see the potential rather than inconvenience in older houses – and there’s nothing wrong with that. Restoring a property and making it your own can be a fulfilling experience. Hopefully, the aforementioned tips will help you along the way.