While living in residential buildings has its good sides, there are also benefits to living in a house of your own. However, you should be careful if it’s the first property you’re buying. Before completing the deal and signing a contract, get in touch with a professional inspection. No matter how much you love their style, you need to be particularly careful with heritage homes, as older structures are likely to have more issues than you’d expect.
The Foundations
The first thing you’ll want to check are the foundations of the house, and there are several ways of spotting trouble. No matter the age or type of structure, there are various causes for the pillars to crack and bend, which may even cause the house to lean slightly. Some issues are more dangerous than others, and this is why it’s for the best to call a building inspector that will be able to fully examine the state of things.
The Basement
While checking the foundation, it’s a good idea to check the state of the basement itself. Electrical installations and pipes that go through the house normally have to pass through the basement. This is why any damage, and especially leaks, should be repaired as soon as possible. Rusty pipes need to be replaced, and once you move in, clean the basement in order to keep pests away.
Walls and Insulation
Modern homes are built with energy-efficient materials, but some houses were built before those materials were even used in construction. If you want to save money, you’ll have to do some renovating. For instance, single-pane windows are flawed compared to some modern varieties and should be replaced as soon as possible. Otherwise, the air conditioning will have to do twice the work during summer and will only increase your bill. There is a wide choice of materials regarding wall insulation if you decide on upgrading. Also, keep in mind that insects often find a way in, so keep your eyes open for any holes.
Pests
Insects and rats are unwanted guests that usually stay around longer than anyone wants them to. As mentioned prior, termites can cause damage to the home which you won’t be aware of until it’s too late. Apart from the danger of mold and bacteria, water will surely attract termites, roaches, and likely a few others. This is why you need to check the basement for any damp areas, as well as the waterworks for any leaks. Concerning rats, as long as you keep the place clean you won’t have to worry about these rodents. Don’t be surprised, however, as these types of issues are present more often than not.
The Roof
The roof is, perhaps, the most important part of any house. It offers the most protection, but damaged roofing can also cause the most problems which take a fortune to repair. Depending on the materials that you are using it can last a really long time, We recommend quality slate roofing. A few missing shingles can be spotted and replaced easily, but underlying issues can be hidden. Dark spots in the attic show that moisture has found a way in. If left unsolved, this moisture can cause issues to the interior of your home as well, and create mold along the way. Another serious sign is a sagging roof; this is an indicator of serious structural damage and it’s for the best to call a professional group for repairs.
Carpets and Curtains
Older carpets are likely damaged, attract insects and can be a fire hazard. Even if it isn’t particularly old, the previous owner could have placed it to hide a damaged part of the floor. Similarly with the windows and curtains. If there are any wear and tear, replace them. If you’ve decided on changing the windows because of insulation, the curtains can wait until then.
A Budget
Old homes generally aren’t too pricy, especially so if they require repair. But it won’t hurt for you to prepare a budget ahead of time for any unforeseen maintenance. There are sure to be extra projects; if not for repairs, you may want to remodel part of the home. However, the biggest part of the expenses can be avoided if you’ve properly checked the home beforehand.
To conclude, people enjoy moving into a new home. It’s a fun experience and often a change for the better. However, you should always check the quality of what you’re buying. One method of checking the property is to start from the foundations and work your way up. Calling professional building inspectors, electricians, and roofers will open your eyes to issues of the heritage home you may not have noticed on the first glance. After moving into the home, keep your mind open to change. Having a budget for any restructuring or repairs is never a bad idea.
