Considering Buying An Old House? Check This First!

Considering Buying An Old House? Check This First! Many of us have the desire to buy an older home and fix it up. Something that has a lot of historical charm and a history that is often older than our own. It might not be a huge renovation project you are looking for; perhaps you just want the old-timey aesthetic that is so hard to come by in newer build homes. 

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Hazardous building materials 

The older the house is, the more likely it is that there will be some hazardous materials still in it. Asbestos and lead-based paints are two of the biggest culprits, for any home built before 1978 will need to have an inspection, and potentially removal work done.

Air quality 

Older homes are also more likely to have colourless, tasteless and odourless gases like carbon monoxide and radon. While radon itself isn’t toxic, it is one of the leading causes of lung cancer and prolonged exposure is not recommended. 

Radon comes from the breakdown of uranium in the soil that is adjacent to your foundations. 

HVAC systems, dryers and gas leaking from joins for the oven can be the leading causes of carbon monoxide. You can call a professional out to get these checked and install detectors on all floors of the home. 

It is also more common for older houses to not have as high-quality ventilation as we are used to in modern homes, which may lead them to feel stuffy. 

Electrics 

Over time old electrical wires can become damaged or worn. What this means is that your home is at a higher risk of fires or having electrics that are unreliable. Calling your local electrical services to check all of the electrics is a must. 

If you are unsure if you need them, check the sockets’ age, and look for any flickering or dimming lights, any switches that are warm to the touch, or loose fittings. 

Plumbing 

We put a higher demand on our plumbing system than we did many years ago. Dishwashers, baths and showers, washing machines and more are high-water usage items. Further to that, pipes used to be made of lead or have some lead in the materials. Even the smallest amount of decomposition in the pipes may lead to high levels of lead seeping into your water supply. 

Another issue that older homes suffer from is that trees and other plants around the home may grow deep, thick roots that make their way into the plumbing system. These will need to be removed. 

You can tell almost immediately if you need to have your plumbing checked out because you will be experiencing low water pressure, your water might be discoloured, or you might notice a faint smell of dampness. 

Buying an old house is amazing, and it comes with the joy of turning it into what most people consider to be their dream home. But, before you can start decorating and adding in period pieces, you often need to have some big checks and repairs or replacements done. 

Buying an old house – Once all the big stuff is out the way, you might be tight on cash, and you’ll need to plan what you do and how you do it better: How To Renovate Your Home On A Budget.