5 problems that might arise with an old house

Weatherboard cottage

There’s something about old houses that makes them charming, cosy and nostalgic. That charm will guarantee them a place on the market even as styles and preferences of the buyers change.

Depending on the definition, houses dating from the 1920s (and earlier) to 1940s could be considered old. Homes from this era can come with a lot of problems, both in terms of construction and comfort. However, most of these problems can be dealt with if you have professional help and some money to invest in quality renovations.

Termite damage

Termite damage

Termites can seriously damage the wooden parts of your home. This is especially noticeable in old homes because there are more wooden components to be ruined and termites have had decades to cause the damage. If you see the holes in the drywall and bulging floors, you might have this problem.

The fixes for termite infestation range from cosmetic to substantial. You need to start by removing the damaged floors and shrubbery. If the infestation is still in progress you’re going to need a professional exterminator to deal with the termites and, once that is all over, you should think about getting treated lumber to prevent further problems.

Foundation problems

Foundation problems

The tricky thing about foundation problems is that they can be easily noticed only when there’s very little to be done. For instance, if your floor is visibly cracked, it might be too late. However, there are other, more subtle signs as well.

If you notice unusual cracks in the walls or that your doors are hard to close or open it might be because of bad foundations. If the problem isn’t that bad, a professional construction crew could fix it up in a matter of days by restumping your property.

Asbestos

Asbestos warning sign

Until just a few decades ago, asbestos was used as a construction material because it was cheap and it helps with insulation. However, the research has shown that this material is very dangerous and not suitable for construction purposes. Prolonged exposure can cause breathing problems and even cancer.

If you notice vinyl floor tiles, an old AC system, or window caulk that seems suspicious, you might need to contact professional asbestos removal experts. This isn’t something to be taken lightly, and these matters need to be addressed as soon as you notice them. It’s also important to ask about the materials when you’re purchasing the home.

Poor insulation

Bad insulation

Old homes were sometimes built with very poor insulation or with no insulation at all. This was a standard at the time, but now it just won’t do because it makes everyday life uncomfortable and keeps utility bills high. That’s why you need an engineer to inspect the home with you when you’re looking to buy.

You can repair some insulation problems yourself. You could use caulk around the windows and install insulation around door jambs, but you’re going to need a pro to manage blowing in the insulation around the whole house.

Undersized wiring

Undersized wiring

This is a common problem with old homes and it wasn’t much of the problem when they were built. The wiring was sufficient at the time because people didn’t use as many electrical devices as we do today. This is most noticeable in the dimming of the lights (or losing power altogether) when too many appliances are used at once.

It isn’t a problem you can handle on your own and you’re going to need both a skilled electrician and some construction work because some walls might need to be drilled. An electrician could bring your home to the 21st century in a couple of days.

Old homes are usually less expensive and, once you decorate them, they look so charming and family-friendly. However, they also come with issues that sometimes require professionals to repair them. Be prepared for such an expense.

Have you had a problem with an older house?

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