Many young adults today choose to buy older homes because of their affordability and charm. Though having an older house has many advantages, it will also require more maintenance than a modern property would. If you know what to look for, though, you can stay ahead of the curve. Here are four potential maintenance issues you should be keeping an eye out for if you’ve recently purchased an older house.
Outdated Plumbing
One of the biggest problems older homes can have is plumbing that is nearing the end of its life. Not only can plumbing repair be costly, but the damage that a major leak can cause is often substantial. Keep an eye out for any small leaks in your house’s plumbing, and be sure to attend to them as soon as possible. In some cases, you may have to replace large sections of pipe if your home’s original plumbing used hardware that’s no longer generally available.
Worn-out Driveway
Many older homes have driveways that are no longer in good condition. Though you can get away with a bad driveway for quite some time, it’s generally better to have the problem fixed by having it repaved by a company like Harris Paving Industries or someone similar as soon as you can. This will minimize the damage that broken concrete can do to the tires on your car, as well as make your house’s exterior look better.
Faded Flooring
One of the most prominent features of some older homes is their hardwood flooring. Unfortunately, over many years, hardwood floors can become scuffed and faded. Rather than replacing your floors, however, it’s often better to try to refinish them. Not only will this be less expensive, but it will also maintain some of the vintage charm that comes with buying an old home.
Foundation Cracks
If your home has a basement, you should check it carefully for cracks in the foundation. Even if they’re small now, these cracks can grow over time and let water into your basement, potentially causing major damage. If you see any noticeably large cracks, be sure to have a repair service come out as soon as you can. In some cases, catching foundation cracks early will allow them to be repaired at minimal expense before they expand and cause larger problems.
These are a few of the most important and common maintenance issues that old homes frequently have. If you keep an eye on your property and are proactive in maintaining it, you’ll find that living in an older home doesn’t have to mean constant repairs.
