4 Helpful Tips for Buying an Older House

First-time homeowners and seasoned homeowners tend to steer clear of older homes. They’ve heard the horror stories and have good reason to be afraid. However, it’s important to remember that knowledge is power. With every piece of information you gather, acquiring and owning an older home makes it a little less risky. Check out these four helpful tips for buying an older house.

Watch Out for Foundation Issues

The foundation is everything. It’s something all first-time home buyers should know about. The foundation can tell just how much a home has endured and how much more it can take. If the damage is extensive, that’s a good sign to cut the showing short.

Foundation issues in old homes are incredibly common, and you need to address them for the house you buy to remain viable. Some problems may be smaller than others, but even the minuscule ones require maintenance. Bigger issues can be costly to address, so you’ll need to decide if the risks are worth the rewards.

Get More Than One Inspection

You know how doctors always say to get a second opinion? The same rules apply to real estate. Don’t rely on only one inspection for an older home. It needs at least two different inspections from two different inspectors.

No one is perfect, and the first inspector might miss a few things that another one will catch. Get specific information about the electrical and plumbing. What types of pipes does this home have, and how long do those pipes last? If one inspector shows anything structural you need to address, you should contact an engineer and have them take a look.

Pay Close Attention to the Roof

Roof repair is expensive and unavoidable. It’s not one of those issues you can sweep under the rug or find quick-fix solutions to. Ask what the lifespan of the roof is. Some buyers luck out and find a home that recently updated its roof.

Pay close attention to any missing shingles, bowing gutters, leaks, or moisture in your attic or top floor. These are clear signs the roof is on its way out. Some repairs could cost up to $10,000. If that kind of amount isn’t in your current budget, it might be time to look elsewhere.

Inquire About the Building Materials

It’s no secret old houses used hazardous materials during construction. Home developers didn’t know the risks and dangers at the time, so there’s a good chance your home could contain lead-based paint and asbestos. Test for these things and radon in the ceilings. Radon kits are affordable and easy to conduct.

Get the complete rundown on the materials used to build whatever home you’re inquiring about. Find out the health risks that can occur in the home. Lead within the plumbing system can also leak into the water supply, and that’s not a risk anyone should take. Know what you’re getting into before buying an older house. Hopefully, these tips were helpful.