Buying an Older House? Keep these 3 Things in Mind…

If you have an eye for vintage or retro styles, from disco balls to the conversation pits from the 70s, chances are you’ve found yourself at least once browsing photos of older homes. Besides the style, buying an older house can be a great way to invest in real estate and become a homeowner without breaking the bank. Old homes for sale: they can be cheaper and cute!

If you have an eye for vintage or retro styles, from disco balls to the conversation pits from the 70s, chances are you’ve found yourself at least once browsing photos of older homes. Besides the style, buying an older house can be a great way to invest in real estate and become a homeowner without breaking the bank. Old homes for sale: they can be cheaper and cute!

You’ve probably found that older homes seem to offer more character, charm, and craftsmanship than newer builds, as well as the potential for customization that many modern builds lack. Every homeowner loves a crafty moment! However, there’s a lot left to fully understand what you could be getting into before taking the plunge on an older home. From assessing structural integrity to budgeting for repairs, here are a few of the key factors we think are crucial to consider when you find yourself pursuing older houses.

Prehistoric piping has got to go…

Consider the materials that were popularly used at the time of its original construction. Unfortunately, many homes built before 1970 feature cast iron sewer pipes and galvanized steel water lines. Yes, these materials are durable, but they become corroded over time and pose a serious risk for potential buyers. Additionally, cast iron pipes may be more prone to clogs due to their narrow diameter, while galvanized steel piping can rust or develop pinhole leaks, leading to expensive and simply annoying repairs in the not-so-far-off future. Don’t fall in love too fast if you’re unwilling to consider a complete piping do-over! It’s essential for potential homeowners to have these components inspected prior to purchasing an older home in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises later on. Learn more about the signs of older plumbing here.

Shocking electrical solutions…

When it comes to buying an older house, what you find in the electrical might shock you. Many of these homes have outdated and downright dangerous wiring that has been in place for decades. Cloth-insulated wires, which were commonly used in homes built before 1950, are particularly hazardous because they can become brittle over time and may not provide adequate insulation against electric shock or fire hazards. Plus, as soon as a little electricity escapes its casing, the cloth is highly flammable!

Way back when, aluminum wiring was also popular due to its low cost; even though it is more prone to overheating than copper wire and can easily cause a home fire if not properly maintained and looked after. So please, potential buyers, have an experienced electrician inspect any vintage (older) property prior to purchasing in order to ensure the safety of their new home and its tenants.

Roofing: Just wrong!

Back in the day, many homes were built with sloping membrane-type roofing, rather than the traditional shingle roofs that we commonly see today. While this type of roof is often durable and low maintenance, it’s a challenge to work on when repairs or replacements (inevitably) need to be made. Regardless of older house styles overall, what makes things tricky is the membrane material, which needs to be installed in one continuous piece in order for it to function properly and prevent water from seeping through any gaps. 

And because these roofs are typically steeper than shingle roofs, they require special safety precautions due to their greater height and risky sloping shape. Those considering buying an older house should take into account the added cost of hiring an experienced professional who is trained in working with this type of roofing before purchasing an older home, especially our friends living in rainy regions! Worried about your roof situation? Check out this guide to identify your home’s roofing.

So before you meet your match and run away with that old house for sale, please, make sure it is inspected by specific trade professionals before purchase and ensure that all of the components we mentioned above are safe and up-to-date. Don’t skip on having experienced electricians inspect the wiring, plumbers check for corrosion in pipes, and roofers assess membrane-type roofs. Help yourself and avoid costly repairs or replacements down the line, buying a home is expensive enough! 

If you’re in the market for a new home, you’ve come to the right place. Denovo Realty is a Space Coast real estate agency with experienced agents waiting to chat with you about your dreams of owning an older house or a new property. Don’t hesitate to get in touch here.