Old houses have a charm that makes us fall in love with the property and the story behind it. The character of every old home is unique, as each home holds so many memories that create a particular personality for each property. It’s not uncommon for people to prefer old homes to brand new ones, especially first-time buyers. It can be a wise investment as older homes are often located in much better locations. Also, these homes may cost less than some brand-new homes nearby. For that reason, some buyers are willing to go for charm and authenticity and redecorate their new home the way they like it. However, this purchase should come with a careful approach. Old homes also come with issues that are mainly not present in new houses, so you need to be cautious in your search. To help you out, we want to give you a heads up – here’s what to look for when buying an old house to make sure you’ve got the right one.

Look for a home with a strong base

The structure of an old home is the base, and the way this home will age heavily depends on it. That’s why you should look for any issues in the structure when buying an old house. Cracks in the walls or foundation, poor roof insulation, inability to open or close windows and doors properly, uneven floors, etc., are all signs that the foundation of the house is a bit tired and risky. All of these problems may have different causes. In general, these happen due to the age of the house, strong tree roots around the house, or some seismic activity in the past. Check all of these before buying, as repairs can be pretty costly.

Dangerous materials and substances

Unawareness of the toxic trait of certain materials in building homes has led to many old houses not fitting today’s safety standards. Asbestos and lead are unfortunately common in old places, especially those built before the 1980s. Regulations on building homes have changed a lot since then, so it’s necessary to check if the house you like is safe for your family. Lead and asbestos were common in paint and insulation materials, but it was shown that they cause serious health problems, particularly in children. So, if a house you like was built in a critical period for this matter, make sure you estimate the cost of repair (which can add up) and plan your purchase and renovation budgets.

Old water/electricity systems

Apart from the foundation, plumbing, and electrical systems keep the house running. This can be a pretty big issue as these systems are often outdated to the ones you see nowadays. Not only can you have incompatibility issues, but old systems also bring higher risks of damage and hazards. Check the age of all the wires and pipes, and ask when was the last update. You’ve got two options here. The first one is that the wiring and plumbing are original, so we recommend replacing them. The second scenario is that the seller already did it a while ago. In this case, be sure to check the safety and efficiency of the updated systems.

Also, if you care about your new home being more sustainable and eco-friendly, updating these two central systems will probably be necessary. Even though this is not difficult to do, ask a professional about the updates and how much they would cost. An eco-friendly home is energy-efficient, saves you money, and has less impact on the environment. That’s why it’s essential to check the insulation, efficiency of windows and doors, condensation, etc.

Old safety alarms

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be up and running when you move in. This is one of the things to look for when buying an old house. If these alarms and detectors are a bit old, they’ll probably need a replacement. Also, there shouldn’t be only one of these in your new home. For bigger homes, make sure there’s a smoke alarm in each room and a carbon monoxide detector on every floor for maximum safety.

Insurance

Both old and new homes need insurance, but these two will differ in the type and cost of insurance quotes. Depending on the condition of the house, but also the presence of antique items, you can pay quite a bit to insure it. Be sure to check with a trusted insurance provider and consider this before you make a decision.

How to make the right decision?

Even though old homes often come with specific issues, this shouldn’t stop you from getting a house you like. That’s why it’s essential to approach buying an old house with the right mindset. Knowing what to expect and how to fix it will lead you to the right decision.

If you’re able to recognize the issues and estimate the cost of repairs, you’ll be able to tell if all of that fits your budget. If the price is right, a bit of effort in making the house good again will all be worth it.

Planning the renovations

Also, be sure you know how to plan the renovations so you don’t end up overwhelmed in the middle of the projects. Renovations take time, money, and energy, but it can all be worth it if you do it right.

Firstly, it’s crucial to plan the budget. As we mentioned, the costs of certain repairs can be pretty high. That’s why it’s essential to get the correct estimate and carefully plan the budget.

Also, you need to deal with the logistics of your move and all the items in the house while it’s being renovated. If you rent a storage unit during renovations, you will have a safe space where all of your items can be kept for as long as necessary. When it comes to renovations, there are quite a few ways storage can help with this – the most important one being that you will have an empty space that allows you to be more efficient.

Finally, plan the move in accordance with the renovation. Make a timeline and stick to it so the transition goes smoothly and stress-free. A detailed organization and experienced professionals will give the best results, so be sure to use these techniques when buying an old house and moving.

What to Look for When Buying an Old House? by Sally Norton