01 2022
If you are a fan of classical architecture's charm and aura, we understand your interest in an older house. They carry a deep memory with elegance and have many parts modern homes lack. As pretty as these houses are, they can come with specific problems you may have to deal with later. So, when you're trying to stick to your budget when buying the house, you may pay a lot more than you planned because of the repairs. This article will cover some parts of the old house you should carefully examine before buying.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral. In the past, it was used commonly for insulation purposes and as a flame retardant in houses. However, advanced research shows that asbestos is very damaging to the respiratory tract and even causes lung cancer. Because of the necessary proof that showed asbestos's harmful nature, EPA banned the usage of it in applications and building materials, but this was in the late 1980s, and houses with existing asbestos products weren't required to remove them. Since many people need to learn what asbestos looks like and where to look for it, it might be a hard decision before moving into a new house. However, a professional home inspector will be able to detect where asbestos is and will guide the removal process.
The foundation of a house is what makes the house stand. Everything related to the house sits on the foundation, so it must be addressed immediately when there's a problem. Due to the age of the older homes, it is normal for the foundation to be sunken or damaged. A home inspector should carefully examine the foundation and tell you about the needed repairs. Sometimes the problems are minor, but if they are more serious, you may need extensive damage repair, which will be pretty costly. So, before buying a home, let your inspector inform you about the situation and decide based on that.
The electricity needed for various applications 70 years ago differs from today's electricity needs. So, most of the older homes need the necessary features to tackle the electricity requirement of our modern devices. A most common type of wiring up to the 1930s was the knob and tube wiring, a system unsuitable for modern electricity usage. Besides, this system creates constant fire hazards. Therefore, you would need to renew the house's electrical system. Similarly, the plumbing system of older homes tends to be damaged and can create severe water damage risks, which would ruin a lot of portions of your house and be very costly. In conclusion, a home inspector should check your plumbing and electrical systems and give you a cost estimate for renewing these systems.
We know that buying a historical piece is an exciting and important event; however, knowing which parts of this property need repairs is even more critical. Since many points may escape your eye before buying a house, you should hire a professional home inspection company like Atlanta Property Inspection. We will do our best to ease your mind before starting this new and exciting chapter of your life. This way, you know the cost of the repairs beforehand and will stay within your budget. Call us today to learn more.