Be Aware- 4 Considerations When Moving Into an Older Home

Written by Posted On Monday, 15 January 2018 08:17

Older homes can have more charm than a newer home. There are just some things that you as the buyer need to take under advisement. Here are some of the cautions that you should check into before moving into an older home:

Signs of an Infestation

Older homes may contain unwanted residents. Mice, rats, and termites may be hiding behind the walls. Some of the things to check for are droppings and wood that is disintegrating. Not all infestations may be obvious. The places to check out are the attic and the crawlspace. For large infestations of rodents, you may be able to hear them in the walls. Hire an exterminator, such as one from PermaTreat Pest & Termite Control, to rid your home of these unwelcome guests. Rodents can cause disease. Termites will undermine the structural integrity of your home.

Check for Toxic Materials

Many homes that were built before 1978 have lead paint. You should have your home inspected to test for the presence of lead. You don’t need to remove the paint. You just need to seal it up. Other things to consider are asbestos and radon. Many older homes used asbestos in floor and ceiling tiles. Another place that it may exist is in older types of insulation. Homes with basements may have radon present. Make sure to test for the presence of these hazardous substances.

Presence of Mold

Mold grows in the presence of moisture. If you notice mold in your home, chances are good that there is an underlying source. You may have a roof leak or some other type of water leakage. Black mold is hazardous to your health. Not all mold requires abatement. In some cases, you can use bleach to kill the mold. Another cause of mold is due to the house sitting empty for long periods of time. Having poor circulation can result in the buildup of moisture. Check with an expert before deciding to tackle this problem.

Outdated Electrical

Homes that predate the 1930s may have a knob and tube electrical system. This type of system doesn’t support modern appliances. Homes that are from the 1960s and earlier may contain outdated wiring as well. The insulation on the wiring can start to degrade as it ages. This can lead to an electrical fire. Your electric panel may be outdated with unsafe circuit breakers. Have an inspection done to check the condition of your electrical system. It may require that you rewire your home.

There is a lot to take into consideration before moving into an older home. Use these tips to help you be prepared!

Rate this item
(0 votes)

Agent Resource

Limited time offer - 50% off - click here

Realty Times

From buying and selling advice for consumers to money-making tips for Agents, our content, updated daily, has made Realty Times® a must-read, and see, for anyone involved in Real Estate.