Buying An Older Home?
Check These 3 Key Areas That Could Cost You Serious $$$
Are you a fan of homes with a bit more character than the newer, modern designs? Whether it’s in pristine condition or more of a “fixer-upper,” buying an older home is incredibly popular in cities across the country. .
However, there are some key areas to consider if you’re thinking about buying a home built decades ago. Older homes must be brought up to date to adhere to today’s safety standards and codes. While newer homes may seem overpriced, older homes may have more upgrades to be completed.
Let’s take a look at three key issues that you will need to be aware of if you’re thinking about buying an older house.
Old Wiring Can Be A Significant Fire Hazard
No matter when a home was built, it’s guaranteed to have wiring running through walls to supply rooms with lighting and power. However, if the wiring was run in decades past, it may be with older cords and connectors that are not able to withstand today’s power load.
Old electrical systems can present shock and fire hazards. Up to date electrical codes lay out guidelines that facilitate the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment.
A quick check of the circuit-breaker panel (or fuse box in much older homes) and the wires leading from it can give an idea just how old the wiring is.
Poor Plumbing Can Lead To Rot (Or Worse)
Plumbing can also be an issue in older houses – especially here in Canada where we experience cold winters. Water pipes expand and contract with changing temperatures, which can lead to stress and leaks over time.
“The National Plumbing Code of Canada 2015 (NPC) sets out technical provisions for the design and installation of new plumbing systems and also applies to the extension, alteration, renewal, and repair of existing plumbing systems.”
“The new water-efficiency requirements aim to reduce water usage in all buildings, regardless of the water source.”
As well, even though older pipes are typically made of metal, they can still wear out. The last thing you want is to wake up to a flooded basement, so be sure to have the plumbing professionally inspected.
Are The Roof And The Insulation Up To Standards?
While the roof might look great from the outside, it may not be as solid on the inside. Even the smallest of holes or leaks in roof membrane can wreak havoc on the structural integrity of the roof.
It’s worth spending some time in the attic to inspect the inside of the roof, the condition of the insulation and how well the entire structure is holding up.
The purpose of insulation is to reduce all types of heat loss within the home.
Proper insulation is a homeowner’s best defense against high heating costs.
“Relatively easy access has made the attic a favourite starting point to insulate for many homeowners, despite the fact that most other areas, such as basements and uninsulated walls, lose more heat than the typical attic. Even if an attic is already insulated, there may still be an opportunity to improve the energy efficiency and soundness of the house through air sealing and ventilation.
Air leaks via the chimneys, vents, plumbing pipes and electrical boxes in the attic can account for substantial heat loss and can lead to a variety of moisture-related problems. The importance of air sealing cannot be overstated. If you are upgrading your attic, read this entire section for helpful tips and other relevant information.”
Quoted From the Government of Canada website: Keeping The Heat In – Section 5: Roofs and attics
While this list might sound a bit intimidating at first glance, don’t let it scare you away from buying an older character home. They’re really quite charming.
Conduct your own due diligence in checking the home’s history, and definitely hire a certified home inspector.
When you’re ready to explore your desired home options in the Sarnia Lambton area, let’s talk!
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