Things To Watch Out For In Older Houses

Many of us love older homes for their charm and character, or maybe you just like the looks of an older house.  Below are some red flags to watch out for if you are thinking about buying an older home. A comprehensive Home Inspection is essential to alert you to possible underlying issues you didn’t see that could be costly. Rooney Home Inspections, based in Maplewood, Essex County NJ is a top home inspector that offers very thorough and knowledge-based inspections to help home buyers make informed decisions.

Possible Pitfalls Of Purchasing An Older Home

Old or Outdated Electrical System

Many older houses have outdated electrical systems that may not meet current standards. This could cause safety hazards and possibly require expensive upgrading.

Foundation Issues

Foundation problems are a concern in older homes. Cracks, settling, or uneven flooring that could indicate structural issues and may require costly repairs.

Plumbing

Older homes may have original plumbing systems with pipes made of material like galvanized steel or cast iron. These materials can corrode over time and lead to leaks, low pressure and burst pipes. A messy situation and costly to repair.

The Roof

The roof is an important component of any home and more so with an older home. Often the roof is one of the reasons you love the look of the house. You should look for missing shingles, sagging, or signs of water damage. These things can indicate the need for a new roof – another expensive repair.

Asbestos Or Lead Paint

Asbestos and lead paint were used in older homes but are now known to cause health risks. If a home was built before the 1980s, these materials could be present and should probably be professionally removed.

Heating and Cooling

Most older homes don’t have air conditioning unless it was added much later. Heating systems are often inefficient and outdated, leading to higher energy costs and a lower comfort level. Consider the cost of replacing a heating or air-conditioning unit.

Pest Control

Older homes may be more susceptible to pest infestations due to gaps, cracks or openings in the outside building material. Termites, rodents, or other pests can to a lot of damage if allowed to settle in.

Call On A Professional

There are many more things to be aware of when contemplating the purchase of an older home. A thorough Home Inspection will uncover these problems and allow you to think about the inconvenience and cost involved with repairing them.

Rooney Home Inspections has experience in the inspection of older homes and is very careful to fully scrutinize an older house for possible pitfalls. Our professional report details everything we discover and includes photos. Allow Rooney Home Inspections to help you make a home buying decision that will be a well informed one.

We serve Essex County NJ as well as surrounding NJ locations Give us a call at (973) 996-8257 to schedule an appointment for an inspection.