There is nothing quite as beautiful and full of character than an old house. Many people buy these old houses in an effort to restore them and keep their historical beauty intact. However, these old houses can sometimes have issues that are far more than you bargained for. There can often be hidden issues that can be hard to pinpoint if you don’t know what you are looking for Lifeline Home Inspections is here to talk about some of the problems that you should be looking for when you are thinking about purchasing an old house.
What Does Lead Paint Look Like?
The most important thing that you should be looking for in your home is lead paint. This is against the law to have in your home. It is especially dangerous for children to be around lead paint. If lead paint is consumed in any way, it can cause significant growing issues in small children. It has been found in any home that was built prior to 1978.
Asbestos Removal
Many homes had asbestos used in them because of its ability to repel fire. Even though it is flame retardant, it contains cancer causing agents that carry some real health risks. Many older homes that had asbestos used during the building process have replaced it for something safer, but there are several that haven’t yet. This can be expensive and is something you will want to be aware of.
When to Walk Away from Foundation Issues
The foundation of your home is something that you want to know if solid. Older homes have older foundations that can have cracking, leaning or sunken issues. They can be incredibly expensive to fix, so you may want to make sure the foundation is in tip top shape or get a clear picture of what you are dealing with before you purchase the home.
Cost to Fix Ungrounded Outlets
Many older homes have outlets in them that don’t have a third hole for anything that requires grounding to be plugged in. Most appliances today and even computers require that third hole. While there are some things that can be plugged in with only two holes, they don’t last long. You will likely have to have an electrician come in sooner rather than later to replace all the outlets.
Pest Problems
Many old houses, especially ones that have been sitting for a long period of time, have pests of some sort that have taken up housing in them. Anything from insects to rats and even rodents like squirrels and raccoons, can be found inside the attics or crawlspaces of many old homes. It is worth looking for when you do a walkthrough.
Buyer Home Inspections, Seller Pre-Inspections & More in Griffin, Peachtree City, Fayetteville, Newnan, Zebulon, Thomaston, Douglasville & Metro Atlanta, GA
There is no better way to get a clear picture of an old house before you purchase it than to have an inspector at Lifeline Home Inspections to complete a home inspection. We have experience working with old houses and know exactly what we should be looking for. Call us today!
