Things You Need To Check Before Moving To an Old House

From the exquisite craftsmanship to the undeniably unique charm, moving to an old house has its own set of advantages that you probably won’t find in a new home, but it also has its challenges.

Many mishaps can be lurking under the roof of an old house, and if left unaddressed, they’ll inevitably lead to bigger problems later on, but this shouldn’t stop you from going for the history and allure of an old house.

This guide will walk you through some of the common issues that you need to watch out for before moving to an older home.

Roofing Problems

Since it’s your main line of defence against the rain, sun, snow, and wind, the roof is one of the first things you need to inspect before moving in.

Like everything else in a house, roofs age over time, which means that your old house will most likely require a roof repair or replacement.

If you look up and see missing or worn-out shingles, crumbling or cracked tiles, or dark spots resulting from water damage then it might be time for you to call the professional roof replacement experts in to take over.

Your roof may have seen better days, but with the help of the experts, you’ll be able to determine whether your roof needs repair, restoration, or replacement and accordingly make the best decision for your new old home.

Insects and Pests

An old house is an ideal home for insects and pests such as rats, mice, ants, and other unwanted guests.

Not only are these introduce a great inconvenience, but some of them can also be dangerous health hazards.

If you find that some areas in your home are in a worse state than you initially realised, hire an inspector to help you diagnose the problem at hand and identify how severe it is.

Don’t be surprised if the inspector points out a few pest problems; insects are quite common in older homes, especially the ones with worn-out wood or water damage.

As long as you carefully examine the house, you can rest assured that the existing damage isn’t something that’ll adversely affect the house’s foundation or your health.

Foundation Problems

Older homes come with older foundations, which means that the structure of your house can be cracked, sunken, leaning, or damaged, and since everything in the house sits on its foundation, these problems must be quickly addressed to maintain the safety and security of your home and its occupants.

Not all foundation issues are the same, but you’ll need an inspector to tell you how bad the foundation problem you’re looking at is.

Major foundation problems are usually expensive to repair, which is why getting all the information regarding the home’s structure beforehand is necessary as it can help you negotiate the property’s price or back out of a bad deal altogether.

Water Leaks

Checking for water leaks is something your home inspector will do, but it never hurts to double-check.

When you’re moving in an old home, check the water meter before you use the water, wait for a couple more hours before turning any faucets on, and check the meter again.

If the meter’s reading changes, this means that your house has undetected plumbing issues, which can cause severe water and foundation damage if left untreated.

If you’re concerned about a water leak, or simply want to talk through anything to do with water leak detection, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01206 580 481.

Electrical Issues

The electrical system’s capacity to keep up with all your modern appliances and devices depends on the age of your house, among other factors.

Since we use far more electricity nowadays than people did decades ago, the electrical systems in many older homes aren’t designed to power multiple devices such as computers, mobiles, TVs, dishwashers, etc. all at the same time.

If your daily routine demands the use of various electronics, you’ll have to make sure that the old home you’re moving in can support your needs.

Asbestos

Asbestos was commonly used in older houses because it’s an incredibly efficient flame retardant.

However, when inhaled, it’s found that asbestos can lead to a fatal form of lung cancer.

After this discovery, the use of asbestos in building materials has been legally banned, and most older homes have had it replaced with a safer substitute.

As for the older buildings that still have asbestos, you’ll usually find it around the pipes or in the flooring.

If you do have asbestos in your flooring, it’s not an issue as long as the tiles are intact and in good condition. Asbestos can only be airborne if the tiles are cracked.

The potential health risks to having asbestos in your home shouldn’t be undermined, which is why you’ll need to test your home for asbestos before moving in

If your house has asbestos, be prepared to have a budget set aside for its removal because the process can be quite pricey.

Lead Paint

Lead is another substance that can cause severe health problems when consumed, especially for growing children.

In fact, it’s mandated by law that you have lead paint removed from your home if you have a child under the age of six living under your roof.

It’s the owner’s responsibility to disclose the possible existence of lead paint to you, but if your home was built before 1978, it’s a good idea to have it tested for lead, even if the owner confirms the absence of lead.

Some people paint over the old lead paint, which is fine, but only as long as the new paint remains in good shape.

Damp, peeling, chalking, or cracking lead-based paint is a safety hazard that needs immediate attention.

Things You Need To Check When Moving To an Old House

Doing your research is always important when it comes to making a real estate investment, but it becomes even more paramount if you’re investing in an older house.

We understand that the allure of an old house can be irresistible, but it’s crucial that you avoid getting caught up in the potential of the house before investigating the previously mentioned problem areas.

As long as you look past the surface and thoroughly inspect your house, you’ll have a warm, sturdy home with a rich history that you can enjoy for many years to come.