Have you ever walked down a tree-lined street while taking in the view of magnificent old houses? One thought going through your mind might be, “They sure don’t make them like they used to!” And it’s true.
Old brick houses, beautifully maintained, are sometimes more solid than modern homes. However, if you’re thinking about buying an older house, there are some things you need to watch out for.
The beauty of the architecture means nothing if you’re about to have a maintenance nightmare on your hands!
Too Good to Be True
Did you find a beautiful house that looks like something out of a dream? And is it also priced way under market value for the neighbourhood? The old adage says it all: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Underpricing is a massive red flag. Chances are, the owners aren’t selling the house to be generous. The property almost certainly needs extensive repairs to make it safe and livable.
If you don’t know what you’re getting into, you may find your dream home turns into a nightmare of non-stop problems.
A lot has changed in the Guelph real estate market over the last few months. Find out the latest updates in some of our recent posts:
- Could Buying Real Estate During A Recession Be A Genius Move?
- Will The Real Estate Market Survive Another Real Estate Hike?
- Is Now A Good Time To Buy An Investment Property in Guelph?
Foundation Problems
Nothing is more important than a strong foundation in a home. If the foundation is shaky, then any other renovation or home improvement becomes a waste of time and money. In the worst-case scenario, the house may even become unsafe to live in.
Foundation issues can stem from the soil, extreme changes in temperature, leaky plumbing, inadequate drainage, and normal wear and tear. Older buildings are particularly susceptible because of environmental changes over time. What signs should you watch out for when inspecting the home?
Horizontal cracks: Small hairline cracks are expected as the house settles, but large horizontal cracks in the bricks or concrete support slabs could indicate trouble.
Windows and doors sticking: If the windows or doors stick or won’t close all the way, it could mean that the foundation has shifted and pricey repairs are on the way.
Cracks in walls: Cracked walls, especially over doorways, windows or where the wall meets the ceiling, can signify a weak foundation.
Warped floors or ceilings: Sagging floors could mean the foundation is pulling apart and becoming weaker as the house settles. You can try setting a marble on the floor to see if it rolls in a continuous direction.
Musty smell in the basement: Unpleasant odours are more than an annoyance. Musty smells could mean outside moisture is creeping in and compromising the strength of the foundation.
Electrical Issues
Unless they’ve been meticulously maintained, old houses can host a slew of electrical dangers. In the best-case scenario, you may find yourself blowing fuses every time you try to run more than two appliances at a time. In the worst-case scenario, outdated electrical wiring can be a fire hazard. Here are a few of the warning signs to be aware of:
Old wires can become fragile: If you see scorch marks or missing or damaged insulation on any of the wires, you may have a fire hazard.
Knob and tube wiring: These were used for over 50 years because of their longevity. However, they were not designed to handle the demands of our modern lifestyle and can overheat quickly. Most insurance companies will ask you to replace any knob and tube wiring within a specified period of taking possession.
Aluminum wiring: Homebuilders in the 1960s and 1970s used aluminum as copper became more expensive. Aluminum wiring is fine as long as it has been maintained with the correct incorrect receptacles or conductors. An Electrical Safety Inspection (ESA) is recommended if you are purchasing a home with this type of wiring.
DIY Wiring: In any old house, you can bet there was at least one person who insisted on handling their own electrical repairs and upgrades without paying for a qualified electrician. There is no way to verify if the electricity is now safe and up to code.
Electrical problems are common and can be a good reason to rethink your purchase. If you do decide to buy the home, your first call should be to an electrician to bring the property up to modern safety standards.
Old homes aren’t the only ones that need regular maintenance. Here Are the Top 4 Tradespeople Every Homeowner Should Know
Termite Trouble
Guelph and the surrounding areas are known for many things. You may think of the beautiful limestone architecture the city is famous for or the scenic University of Guelph Arboretum. What might not come to mind are termites.
Currently, there are six known termite zones in Guelph. Should you be worried if the home you’re considering is in one of these areas? Not necessarily.
Being in a termite zone sounds worse than it is. Simple precautions like spraying your home, getting regular inspections, and following these city guidelines can protect your home from damage.
Oddly enough, you are actually safer in a known termite zone because the city performs regular inspections and treatments to keep the situation under control.
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- Our Quick Condo Buying Checklist
Outdated Plumbing
No matter how beautiful a home appears on the outside, plumbing problems can make your experience a nightmare. While there have been many advances in the industry in recent years, many older homes just can’t keep up with the technology. Since the plumbing is basically “the skeleton” of the house, you want to do some research before diving in.
What plumbing issues could you be facing?
Outdated pipes: Lead pipes were not restricted until the 1920s. Although it is rare to find lead even in older homes, it is still something you want to investigate. Rusting steel pipes are another problem and are far more common than lead. You will need significant room in your renovation budget if it turns out all of the pipes need to be replaced.
Overtaxed sewer lines: Many older homes were built before modern appliances like dishwashers and are simply not equipped to handle the amount of water rushing through them. Growing tree roots can also damage the sewer lines. It’s a good idea to have a trained inspector examine these lines thoroughly, and fix or replace them before they burst.
Sagging Pipes: Underground pipes can slope over time due to pressure. If that happens, you may have water leaks and pools that accumulate sediment and waste. Trenchless pipe repair may be the answer, but it is always best to have a professional plumber take a look.
The GoWylde Team has helped buyers navigate the market to find the right home since 2006. Do you want some guidance to help with your search? Download one of our buyers’ guides today.
