No one can deny the personality, appeal, and unique characters of older houses. And only a couple of reasons why the majority of the individuals can’t imagine themselves living in a newly built house. Older houses are generally built at ideal places with lower prices as compared to modern houses. Buying an old house can be an incredible investment, particularly for individuals buying a home for the first time.
However, you must check a lot of things such as water pipes, electric wiring, suspended ceiling, paint, lighting fixtures, and much more before making a purchase. Moreover, the following are a few important things that need to be checked thoroughly before buying an old house:
Old Or Unsatisfactory Plumbing and Electrical System
Re-establishing plumbing and electrical systems are costly as well as lengthy projects. This is the reason numerous old houses actually have their unique cast-iron pipes and knob-and-tube wiring. Both are dangerous because rusted pipes can cause leaks and poor water flow and the old electrical framework can cause a fire. Assess how old the plumbing and the wiring systems are and ask when they were updated previously.
In case the house still has its original frameworks, get an estimate to check the amount they would charge to replace. If the dealer has changed the plumbing and electrical system, ensure the new systems are following the general code to guarantee they’re working securely, effectively, and lawfully.
Check the Level of Radon
Radon is a cancer-causing agent produced as a result of a natural process in which uranium is broken down in soil, rock, and water. When this process occurs naturally, it does not cause any danger. However, when the radon gets trapped inside a house, it poses threat to humans. Thus, it is essential to check the radon level before buying an old house. Fortunately, radon tests are affordable and give authentic results.
Look for any Dangerous Materials
Old houses usually contain dangerous materials such as asbestos and lead. Until 1978, lead was generally utilized in the interior as well as exterior paint and also in plumbing systems established before the mid-1980s. In case you are planning to buy an old house, particularly built before 1978, you must know that the house might contain these unsafe materials. Thus, before making a purchase, you might need to consider services for lead paint removal. In addition, remove all the materials that might incorporate asbestos.
Structural Concerns of The Old House
With the passage of time, even the most strongly constructed houses can form breaks and bumpiness in the foundation blocks. This can result in erosion, dry decay, humidity damage, and much more. While investigating an older house, check for the windows and doors that get jammed easily, apparent wall breaks, and broken tiles. These are the general indications of house foundation issues. If the house is experiencing foundation concerns, however you actually want to buy it, consider adjusting the renovation expenses into the actual price.
Smoke Alarm & Carbon Monoxide Detector
In numerous countries, it is essential to install a smoke alarm as well as a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of the house. But in most old houses, these are usually dysfunctional or outdated. Though smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are not a priority when looking for a house. You can easily forget to ensure they are available and test to check whether they are working appropriately.
Check the detectors and alarms all through the house and consider installing more recent versions. You can link those with your mobile by means of an application so you can check the security of your house from anywhere. For maximum safety and security, install a smoke alarm in each room of your house, and a carbon monoxide detector on each floor.
