While a home inspection is a good idea for any property, it’s particularly important for older homes. Detailed home inspection findings can empower buyers to request builder corrections before closing and/or budget for long-term improvements.
A third-party evaluation can also catch issues that might slip past municipal code enforcement. Visit Roof Inspection San Antonio to learn more.
Many home buyers are drawn to older homes with their character and history, but purchasing an old house can come with challenges such as a poorer level of insulation or more plumbing problems than newer construction. A thorough home inspection can uncover these issues and give buyers a detailed understanding of the property to help them plan for or avoid unexpected expenses after closing.
Home inspectors will note any tripping hazards, such as cracks in driveways or loose handrails on stairs, and any other items that can present a risk for injury to occupants. They will also check that the home has the required safety features, including smoke detectors in the correct locations, carbon monoxide detectors in bedrooms and near fuel-burning appliances and GFCI outlets in wet areas. Inspectors will also verify that the attic and crawl spaces do not contain asbestos or lead paint.
In addition to checking that the plumbing is in good condition, a home inspector will look for signs of leaks and water damage in the basement, including rusty pipes or flooded crawl spaces. They will also note any deteriorated or uninsulated foundation walls, and may recommend a structural engineer to inspect the structure.
Another common issue in older homes is that they may have been built with less insulated walls, leading to higher energy bills. The EPA has estimated that homeowners in older homes spend 17% more on electricity than those in newer houses, and many of these extra costs can be traced back to insulation.
Other potential issues with older homes that will be uncovered by a home inspection include outdated electrical panels, roof issues and window defects, sloping floors, foundation issues and mold. According to research from Ruby Home and Gitnux, roof issues appear in 19.7% of home inspections, electrical problems in 18.7% and window defects in 18.4%. Plumbing issues, such as old galvanized pipes or leaking fixtures, are also a common finding in most inspections. If a buyer has concerns about an old house, they can request the seller to make repairs prior to closing or negotiate a price reduction based on the cost of fixing the problems.
2. Plan to Evaluate Your Findings in Terms of a Historic Perspective
When you see new construction, it’s easy to assume that the shiny, brand-new homes are free of the typical problems like uneven foundations and unsealed windows. However, even new homes need a home inspection to ensure that they’re up to code and safe for buyers.
A home inspector will check for safety issues like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, electrical outlets and switches, insulation, water and sewage systems, foundation and structural components, and more. However, historic homes can present unique challenges that require a more in-depth inspection.
For example, the walls of an older house may have a textured finish that requires closer observation to reveal any damage or wear. Also, the chimney and roof will need to be inspected from both far away and up close. From a distance, you can check for sagging rooflines or leaning chimneys, while a closer look will show any cracking, chipping, or discoloration. The attic can also hide hidden problems in an old house. It can be prone to wildlife and other environmental factors, including animal nests, hives, clogged drains, and water damage, which will all need to be addressed in a thorough home inspection.
Moreover, the pipes in an older home could be made from materials that are no longer allowed in newer homes. This is because they were likely installed before certain toxic materials were banned, such as lead or asbestos. This is why it’s important to always test for these types of contaminants. Also, keep in mind that old items like paint and insulation can contain lead and asbestos. This means that you will need to wear a respirator when inspecting these areas.
While it’s obvious that historic homes need a more in-depth inspection than new construction, the key is to prepare for these differences before starting your inspection. This will help you make sure that you’re fully prepared to assess the property, uncover any potential issues, and provide your clients with a detailed report. This will give them a better idea of what they’re getting into when purchasing an older property and allow them to create a budget that accounts for necessary repairs and renovations.
3. Be Prepared to Make Recommendations
The history behind an old home can be fascinating to many buyers, but it’s important to remember that these properties tend to require more care than their newer counterparts. This is especially true in terms of ensuring their structural integrity and safety. Fortunately, there are steps that homeowners can take to ensure their family’s well-being when living in an older property.
For instance, if the property has experienced structural issues in the past, such as a settling foundation, it’s crucial to be aware of any potential problems and have them addressed as soon as possible. In addition, homeowners should be prepared to prioritize electrical system safety in older homes, since they might have outdated wiring that could potentially create a fire hazard.
It’s also important to be aware of any potential health hazards associated with older homes, such as lead paint and asbestos. These materials were used in the past for decorating and insulation, but they can pose serious health concerns if not properly removed. Fortunately, there are specialists who can safely and efficiently remove these dangerous substances from homes.
When it comes to home inspections, whether the property is new or old, a comprehensive and detailed report helps guide negotiation, planning, and budgeting. For example, if an inspector discovers that a building is leaking or in need of a roof replacement, the homeowner can use this information to request a price reduction from the seller prior to closing. In the case of older homes, a detailed report can also help prioritize immediate repairs versus long-term upgrades.
While some people may assume that a newly built home will be free of common issues like an uneven foundation, unsealed windows, and fire hazards, the truth is that even new construction requires a thorough home inspection. This is especially true when builders have to rush through the construction process in order to meet consumer demand and keep up with market competition. As a result, it’s important for homeowners to have their homes inspected by professional inspectors before they move in. This will help them avoid costly repairs and renovations down the road.
4. Be Prepared to Note Any Oddities
Older homes often present challenges that aren’t necessarily apparent to a buyer when they first view the property. The same basic home inspection checklist applies for older properties, but additional attention needs to be paid to cosmetic imperfections and construction flaws that may not have been caught during the building process.
Additionally, older houses may contain outdated systems and materials that are no longer in line with current safety standards. For example, older plumbing often uses copper pipes rather than the more durable PVC, and older electrical wiring can sometimes use outdated knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring. Inspectors should be prepared to educate clients on these issues and recommend upgrading these outdated systems when they find them in the house.
Some older houses also have architectural styles that aren’t common anymore, such as balloon framing or post-and-beam construction. Inexperienced inspectors could miss these details during their inspections, and it’s important for them to note any differences in their reports. In some cases, these architectural features may simply be charming and don’t pose a threat; however, in other instances they can indicate serious structural concerns.
It’s essential for home inspectors to be ready to note any signs of water damage in old homes as well. This includes obvious issues like puddles and clogged drains, as well as more stealthy indicators like furniture or books propped up on risers to avoid flooding in the attic or basement. Inspectors should also be on the lookout for any sagging or tilted floors, as these can be signs of foundation problems that need to be addressed.
Finally, older homes may be more likely to have pest infestations and health hazards such as asbestos or radon than newer homes. Inspectors should be ready to check for these issues and advise clients on pest inspections or testing as needed. In many cases, these findings can be used to renegotiate the purchase price of an older home by providing the seller with repair estimates and letting them know that they’ll need to factor in these expenses when making their final decision.