Congratulations if you are moving into an older home. It is important to realize that there are some major differences between moving into a newer home as compared to moving into an older home. Simply stated, the two types of homes are very different and ignoring those differences can be costly. Old homes enjoy a charm that is often missing from more modern construction and that charm is almost impossible to replicate. With that stated, it is also true that older homes can have some substantial challenges and concerns. In this article we will look at five of the most important things you should know before moving into an old home.
Old Home Factor Number One-Lead
Lead paint is no longer used, but it can be an issue for old homes. Ignoring lead paint when remodeling or moving into a home, especially if you have children, is one of the worst life decisions that a person can make. Lead is a heavy metal and it can be very dangerous, again especially for children. Lead has made its way into homes via lead paint as well as lead pipes. Under normal circumstances lead paint is the greater of the concerns.
Before moving into a new home or undertaking construction projects that involve painted areas, it is important to perform a lead test. If you discover that you do, in fact, have lead in your home, then you’ll need to consult with a reputable and proven lead expert. Simply stated, lead is no joke and any contractor to acts in a caviler manner about lead is one that you shouldn’t trust. The statement, “Lead isn’t that big of a deal,” should be a serious red flag!
Old Home Factor Number Two-Repairs
Even a well maintained old home is likely to be in the need of some repairs and some old homes need more work than others. So don’t be surprised if you encounter ongoing issues and have to keep your plumber on speed dial.
On the flipside of the coin, old homes are often enjoyed superior construction to their new home counterparts. There are several reasons behind this fact. At the top of the list is the fact that older homes are more likely to have been built using old growth wood. Old growth wood is tougher and tends to last and last.
New lumber might be just fine but it doesn’t compare to the durability of old growth wood. Old growth wood is hard to come by, and that is part of the reason that old homes are often very sought after.
Old Home Factor Number Three-Heating and Cooling
Many people who move into an older home are shocked to discover that their old home can be expensive to heat and cool. Even worse, some old homes may seem nearly impossible to cool off especially on the second floor.
There are two main reasons for this situation. The first reason is that old homes often are lacking in roof insulation, wall insulation or both. Old homes did not have modern insulation and you can really notice this when temperatures get very hot or very cold. The second factor in the old home heating and cooling problem is that many old homes don’t have the proper ductwork installed or have underpowered HVAC systems. All of these problems can be fixed, but the costs certainly can add up! It’s something to think about before you purchase an old home, especially if you live in an area that can get very hot or extremely cold.
Old Home Factor Number Four-The Roof
Old homes have seen a lot and weathered a lot. As a result, an older home’s roof might be in need of some care and attention. A roof will usually last longer than the stated lifespan, but that stated it is also common for homeowners to forgo roof repairs due to the expense. You may discover that your old home has serious roofing issues, and that can be both costly and aggravating. Finding a good roofer can be tricky, as there are lots of roofing companies and they run the quality spectrum.
Old Home Factor Number Five-Foundational Issues
Yes, old homes are great, but foundational issues are never great. If you are considering buying an old home or already own one, it is important to keep an eye on your foundation. A major foundational issue can considerably reduce your home’s value. There are many repairs that you can look the other way on but foundational issues are not on the list. A foundational issue must be addressed immediately!
So periodically check your basement and monitor any cracks or leaks. Water damage is serious damage and has to be treated as such. Water can damage foundations and leave you with a tremendous headache. The good news is that by maintaining your basement and taking preventative measures you can prevent substantial headaches in the future.
Older Homes Have an Undeniable Warmth, Charm and Appeal
Together these five tips will help you get ready to move into an old home. Older homes tend to be better constructed than their average modern counterpart and that has an array of benefits. In addition, older homes also tend to have a level of charm and sophistication and warmth that many homeowners feel is missing from modern homes.
By investing the time to keep an old home in good shape you can protect your investment for years to come. The durability of many old homes is undeniable.