Thinking of Buying an Older Home? Here Are Some Things to Keep in Mind
When searching for the next house to call home, there's a lot to consider. Opening your home search to older constructions can increase your options, however older homes may be harboring issues beneath the surface. Here are some things to consider (and have inspected) when purchasing an older home.
Foundation and Structural Issue
Due to their age, older homes should be inspected thoroughly for foundational and structural damage. Cracks or unevenness in the foundation can lead to moisture damage, dry rot, corrosion, and shifting of the house. According to Safewise, "Foundation repairs can escalate to over $10,000, depending on the extent of the structural issues - and homeowners insurance won't cover these costs." If you suspect structural damage, be sure to have the building inspected by a licensed structural engineer.
Electrical and Plumbing Issues
Many older homes have their original plumbing and wiring, as updating these systems can be costly. Keeping the original knob-and-tube wiring or the original cast-iron pipes, however, can be a serious safety hazard. Old electrical systems can cause a fire, and old pipes can cause leaks or weak water pressure.
Hazardous Materials
The older a home is, the more likely it is to contain hazardous materials, such as asbestos and lead. Lead is commonly found in paint applied before 1978 and in plumbing installed before 1985. Asbestos can be found in gas fireplaces, roofing, and insulation that was installed before 1980.
Outdated Heating and Cooling Systems
Older homes were likely designed for oil, coal or wood heating systems and later retrofitted with newer HVAC systems, so it's important to understand when and how these upgrades were made. Even a more up-to-date heating system can be inefficient and unsafe if it hasn't been maintained properly.
Houses with cooling systems are likely to be a bit newer, but outdated cooling systems are known to have their own issues. Common problems with older AC units include improperly working fans, reduced efficiency, refrigerant leaks, and electrical problems.
Termites and Bugs
Depending on where the home is located, termites and other bugs could be a major issue. The National Pest Management Association claims that termites alone cause around $5 billion in property damage yearly. The older the home, the longer it has been exposed to the chance of infestations.
Smart Ways to Save on Your Bathroom Renovation
Looking to liven up your bathroom? Better set aside some big bucks. According to HomeAdvisor, "The average bathroom remodel costs $10,354." Don't panic, you can still get a fresh, new look at a fraction of the cost, with these money-saving tips and tricks.
Keep the same layout
You might want to chuck it all and start over with a completely new layout, but the cost of moving water lines could push your budget into no-man's land. According to HGTV's Scott McGillivray, "Moving the tub, vanity, or toilet will cost about $2,500 each."
Do your own tilework
Is the DIY spirit calling to you? Tiling your own bathroom floor and shower can be satisfying—and money-saving. Be sure to watch a tutorial or two first. It's also a good idea to practice your technique on a piece of MDF with inexpensive tile before jumping in.
If you are springing for professional installation, keep in mind that large-scale tile will provide savings.
Go garage sale-ing
Yes, you can find some great accessories at garage sales, Craigslist or Nextdoor, but keep your eye out for larger pieces, too. An old dresser can easily be turned into a vanity. Not only will this save you money, it will also bring character into the space.
Resurface
"An old tub or shower will surely show signs of aging eventually, but before you swap things out for new, which can cost a pretty penny, consider resurfacing," said Family Handyman. "Your tub or shower can be professionally resurfaced for much cheaper than buying new."
Look for leftovers
Stone yards, tile shops, contractors—they may all have leftovers you can purchase or even have. That countertop remnant could work perfectly on top of that vanity you have your eye on, and save you enough money to buy it!