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Have you been considering buying an old home? There can be various reasons to prefer an older home than going for a recently constructed one or getting one built for yourself.
Many people opt for older homes because they are often available at low prices. Others go for it because they like their architecture.
The traditional design and carvings on the doors add character to the house that you will never find in modern homes. However, older homes are not free from issues of their own.
As the property ages, many problems start to develop that are often hidden from your eyes. Some of these issues are so severe that they can cause structural damage to the house.
Therefore, if you are thinking about buying an older house or living in one currently, you must know about these issues to take corrective action.
By watching out for these issues while purchasing a property, you can carefully inspect the property for these issues and make an informed decision about the property’s value.
Here are some hidden problems that an old house might have; make sure to be safe against these issues.
1. Pests
Pests can be a very serious problem for older homes. One of the reasons they can enter and hide in an older home is that there are openings available.
The holes caused due to rot, damage, or other problems allow pests and rodents of all kinds to enter and seek refuge. In fact, creepy crawlers like bed bugs, spiders, and mice are more prevalent in some localities.
For instance, if you reside in Austin, Texas, you will know the seriousness of the pest problem in older houses. If you also live there, search “Pest Control Austin TX” online to get a list of companies offering pest control services in the area.
Pests living in the nooks and crannies of your house can severely impact the structural integrity of your home.
They can also affect mechanical systems such as electrical wirings. So, if you want to inspect the presence of pests in your new house, check their signs underfloor and in the attic.
2. Issues with the Foundation
If the floor of the house is so uneven that you can easily feel it while walking, you must inspect the home for foundational issues.
However, there are some less apparent signs of foundation issues as well. Drywall cracks, and windows, and doors that won’t latch properly, are some of the places that you must check while inspecting the property for your impending purchase.
Moreover, you must also check the foundation for chipping and flaking or use a screwdriver to tick out the possibility of the hollowness of the concrete.
These issues need your immediate attention if you want to make a good purchase or want to catch the problem before it gets too late.
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3. Roof Leaks
Water damage is a death sentence for any house, old or new. The most common cause of water damage is leaky roofs, which can also impact the structure.
The signs of leaky roofs include water sports in the ceiling, although it might not be the case all the time.
Leaky roofs can reduce the life of the house; moreover, the water that penetrates downward can cause more structural damage. Water damage due to leaky roofs also includes mold problems in the home.
Even if mold is not visible, be ready to face it in the future. Mold and mildew can cause health issues due to floating spores in the house, including respiratory and breathing issues, allergies, and skin problems.
So, if you think about ignoring the issue of dripping roofs, be ready to deal with and cure the accompanying problems as well.
4. Old Plumbing Network
Over the years, the plumbing network in a house gets weakened. Back in the day, when PVC pipes were not very common, metal pipes were in use which accompanied the issue of rust and ultimate breakage.
Your prospective house can have similar problems as well. Other issues related to old plumbing include low water pressure, breakage at various points, etc.
Also, old homes might have lead pipes while you might have to get replaced. Even though most plumbing issues might not cost you much if you buy an older home, the ones mentioned above are not worth ignoring.
So watch out for them if you do not intend to spend extra money renewing the plumbing in your purchased house.
5. Presence of Asbestos
Asbestos was widely present in products used for insulation and construction of older homes. Asbestos exposure can lead to asbestosis, and constant contact can lead to cancer too.
Asbestos use is already illegal in many countries, but older homes may still have it hidden in their structure. Common areas to find asbestos in older homes include floor tiles, pipes, and cement, where it is found in the form of asbestos thermal insulation.
Therefore, if you are planning to purchase an old home, make sure to get the house inspected against asbestos. If you find asbestos in the house, it is better to leave it as is or opt for a different property because there is no point in risking your and your family’s health.
Conclusion
An older home might be hiding many surprises for you, but you can’t be sure that these will be good ones. Some of these issues can make your purchase really costly because you will have to renovate your house before moving into it.
Moreover, the issues of pests, asbestos, and water leaks are not only bad for your home, but they also are not good for your family.
All these issues accompany significant health concerns; mold, floating spores, bacteria, and other microorganisms, and asbestos are just some things to worry about. Therefore, always get a professional inspection done before you purchase a house.
