There’s nothing quite like the beauty and character of an old home. Things like pocket doors, wooden built-ins, exposed brick, and well-worn hardwood floors are features you can’t find in most houses on the market. While you may find yourself enamored by such charm, it’s important to keep some practical matters in mind before putting in a bid. Keep reading for seven considerations to have when buying an old house. Understanding these issues can help you to make a more informed decision and to better prepare for what lies ahead.

1. Dangerous Building Materials
One of the first things you should know about older homes is that they weren’t required to meet the quality and safety standards in existence today. Therefore, it’s not uncommon to find that there may be some toxic or dangerous building materials you’ll need to remove. For example, you’ll often find lead paint and asbestos in homes built before 1978. These materials can cause serious health conditions such as lung cancer. It’s crucial to have the home inspected both of these before committing to buying an older property.

2. Foundation Problems
Foundation problems are common in old homes. Small cracks from settling may not be as problematic as something like damaged support footings. Such issues can be quite serious to the point of making the place unlivable. They can also be very expensive to fix. Because the cause of foundation problems varies, it’s wise to have things checked out by a qualified structural engineer. This professional can assess any damage and create a plan for repair.

3. Worn Out Roof
It’s not unusual to find an old house in need of roof repair or replacement. Factors such as weather conditions, roof grade, past maintenance, and installation quality all play a role in how long a roof might last. The fact is, even high-quality modern materials won’t last forever.

4. Old Mechanical Equipment
You may run into outdated or just plain antique mechanical equipment like the water heater, furnace, or boiler. To determine a plan of action, find out when each was installed as well as its average lifespan. Then you can decide whether you’ll need to invest in a new water heater, furnace repair in St. Albert or wherever you may live, or a complete overhaul of the mechanic equipment.

5. Dangerous Gases
Older homes are notorious for containing hazardous gases such as radon and carbon monoxide. You can’t detect these through sight, smell or taste, so you’ll need to take action. Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer. Carbon monoxide causes headaches, shortness of breath, and dizziness. If not detected, it can be fatal. Has the home been tested for radon before moving in? You can install carbon monoxide detectors on each floor once you get settled.

6. Outdated Electrical
If the electrical work hasn’t been updated in the home you’re considering, there’s a very strong likelihood that this is something you’ll need to take care of before moving in. Older wiring and service panels typically last about 60 years. The lifespan for circuit breakers is only 30 years. The electrical in older houses simply can’t handle the demands of today’s technology. Two-prong ungrounded outlets will definitely need to be replaced with ground wiring. An important point to be aware of is that a home with knob and tube wiring may not even be approved for a mortgage or homeowners insurance.

7. Plumbing Issues
Older pipe materials can be a real hazard. Lead pipes decompose over time, and the lead can leach into your water. Pipes made of polybutylene are easily corroded by cleaning materials and can easily burst. Sometimes tree roots grow into older plumbing systems, which can cause a mess that’s expensive to repair. Has the plumbing been checked out by your home inspector or even a certified plumber before finalizing any contract?

These are seven of the most common issues you may encounter with older homes. They aren’t all deal breakers. It’s possible you can even leverage any issues you discover into a lower sales price. The key is to discover any of these potential problems before sealing the deal. Otherwise, you could end up with a very expensive and unsafe home that’s more trouble than it’s worth.

7 Considerations to Have When Buying an Old House by Elizabeth Howard