Date Posted: 2012-10-05 10:28:03
Site Posted: Myproperty.ph
These days, more and more people are seeing the appeal of homeownership, convincing them to search for that ideal property to proudly call their own. As real estate developers continuously churn out property after property to support the growing demand, there’s still no denying the appeal of a nice older home.
Aside from costing a bit less than new construction, older homes also possess a lot of history, which adds to their charm. However, there is a difference between older homes that were well-maintained and ones that previous owners let go. A pre-owned home can easily be a money pit if you don’t check it carefully before buying. Be sure to inspect an older house & lot for sale for these problems before making an offer.
Foundation problems
A crack in a home’s foundation is a sign of a home’s shifting or settling, especially for particularly older properties. Unfortunately, this can also be an indication of further disaster in the future, so make sure that you check the house carefully. The first thing you want to do is go to the basement and look for fissures. You should also see if there are any doors or windows that don’t open freely as this is a sign of sloping, which can be costly to fix.
Faulty wiring
A bad wiring job or an old electrical system is a risk factor for an accidental fire, so be adamant in examining a house’s wiring. Look closely at the electrical sockets and light switches for burn marks and check sockets for grounding. Also, find out if there are enough sockets in the entire home so that you won’t be required to use extension cords which, when overloaded, can trigger a fire.
Bad plumbing system
Find out if the home is still equipped with lead pipes, which can contaminate your drinking water and cause lead poisoning. Also, the older the plumbing, the more prone it will be to rust and leaks, and the bigger the possibility that you’ll have to replace your pipes, which will cost a lot of money and time.
Water damage
Water damage is a result of plenty of factors, including poor plumbing and constant flooding. Some of the most common problems caused by water are mold, wood rot and a weak foundation, all of which can lead to bigger problems if not caught in time. Be sure that you check out all parts of the house that are constantly exposed to water, or are made of wood like the doors, the beams in the basement and the deck. If you’re finding it hard to find them, check the walls and the ceiling for water stains, which will lead you to possible water damage.
Roof and gutter problems
A damaged roof won’t just translate to leaks in the rainy season, but will also mean a very expensive repair job. Ask how old the roof is (roofs usually last for 10-15 years before wear and tear set in) and see if there are any cracks, holes or missing shingles. Also, see to it that the gutter is firmly attached to the roof, and that the drains leading down from them are not clogged.
Don’t base your buying decision solely on the property’s appearance. The novelty of having an older house can easily wear off if you find yourself having to deal with extensive problems that come with the home’s age.
Jillian Cariola, Writer
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