What To Keep An Eye Out For When Buying An Older House

via unsplash

Old houses all come with their own history and character. They have a unique quirk and charm, which is what usually compels and draws in new home buyers.

While the cost of an older home is relatively cheaper than purchasing a newly built home, buying an older home does comes with its disadvantages. The older the home, the more repairs are usually required.

Some homebuyers prefer to acquire older houses to renovate and profit from the purchase. However, others buyers prefer to buy a home that is instantly liveable and doesn’t require extra work. Regardless of your intentions when buying an older home, it’s essential to catch any potential before moving in to avoid any surprises.

So, before you purchase an older home, these are the certain areas to keep an eye out for:

Driveway

You usually want to assess a house on its exterior first. After all, if the outside doesn’t look well kept, chances are there will be more problems inside. Weather and age factors how a driveway looks, and in Canada (and it’s capital), driveway cracks are inevitable. Consider working with a company that focuses on asphalt repairs in Ottawa to help remedy any driveway problems.

Possible issues:

Cracked driveway
Uneven pavement

Tiling

Red flags may arise when looking at an older home’s tiles. Uneven tiles, for one, may require more maintenance because this may indicate a DIY project. Poorly constructed DIY work shouldn’t deter you from purchasing a home, but they could be a sign for other projects around the house.

Possible issues:

Grout problems
Uneven floor

Ventilation systems

You may not see issues with an older home’s ventilation system, but you will feel it. Improper ventilation can lead to mould, which causes significant health risks. It’s crucial to scope out the home ventilation and make sure it’s up to par.

Possible issues:

Irritation to the eyes and nose
Respiratory damage

Roofing

When doing the inspection, check the roof. Missing shingles is an easy sign of a lack of care for the roof. Ask the first homeowners to repair the roof ahead of time if possible – this can save you ample time and money before moving in.

Possible issues:

Leaks
Punctures/holes

Electrical

Older homes require more hands-on electrical work. If you purchase a house from the 1950s, the original wiring will not be up to code. So, whether it’s a big update or fixing one wiring issue, it’s essential to tackle this electric issue soon as possible before they become a more significant problem.

Possible issues:

Electrical surge
Fire

Plumbing

Homes built before the 1990s could feature pipes that are no longer up to standard in 2021. It’s important not to neglect the plumbing and get a professional to double-check it before it becomes a problem. No one wants a leak in their new home.

Possible issues:

The lining of the older copper pipes deteriorate and cause leaks
Older areas have more giant tree roots that can cause pipe damage

Foundation

Any house built on a bad foundation is a recipe for disaster. The older the home, the more chances of an outdated foundation. The more obsolete a foundation, the more renovation projects will come up. A simple foundation issue can lead to months of maintenance.