Older homes are a joy to have and take care of, but there are certain things that may come up when you have an older home. This information can give you an idea of what you are looking for in your older home. The issues that homeowners find in their older homes can be a sign of a past problem that was not completely fixed, or a problem that could become larger if ignored.
This advice should not take the place of a home inspection by a qualified professional.
Issues to look for in an older home
Look out for: cracked, peeling, or dirty painted surfaces, crumbing masonry, or evidence of water dripping from pipes connected to sinks, toilets, tubs, etc. These issues can be minor or evidence of a larger problem, so they are good to keep an eye on and fix when the issues first appear.
Check how old the plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems are to see if they need to be updated – most have a life span of about 20 years.
Look for electrical boxes throughout your home and be sure to update the panels to modern systems that can handle the amount of electricity we use today. We tend to use a lot more now than many older systems are built to stand and that can cause serious issues.
Obvious signs that you need an electrical update:
Knob-and-tube wiring was used up to the 1940s and is not grounded system and could degrade and become a fire hazard.
Federal pacific panels were common in the 1950s to 1990s and are a significant malfunction and fire risk.
Glass screw-in fuses are considered unsafe by today’s standards and should be replaced.
Leaning floors might indicate foundation issues, also look for gaps in windows or doors that can be a sign of the home shifting.
Cracks in the foundation can occur as the home settles but cracks larger than 1/8” across can be a sign of a larger problem and are a good idea to get those checked.
Balloon framing was used in homes up to the 1930s and if they are not insulated or blocked properly it can lead to fires spreading very quickly throughout all the floors of the home. It is hard to tell what kind of framing your home has without opening the walls, but if you go up to the attic or look at the 2nd floor or attic subfloor you can drop a penny in the stud bay. Balloon frame homes have no break in the stories that more platform frame homes have and the penny would be free to drop to the basement.
These health hazards can be found in many older homes. It is good to be aware of what may come up when undergoing a renovation project, and some of these issues can be hidden in the home.
Asbestos – found in insulation, coating for pipes, and shingles. When the material breaks down it can send tiny fibers into the air that can get trapped in your lungs. Don’t try to take samples yourself, but leave that to a certified abatement professional.
Lead paint is common in homes pre-1978 – check painted areas that endure a lot of wear for signs of deterioration.
Lead pipes can erode over time and get into drinking water and can be found in homes as late as the 1980s.
Other potentially hazardous piping includes polybutylene (PB) pipes that were commonly used between 1978-1995. PB pipes are prone to leaks that can result in flooding a home. You should also be aware of clay sewer lines that can break and cause serious sewage issues (mainly in 1940s homes and earlier).
Water is constantly trying to get inside a home. Knowing the places to look to see if water is coming in, or seeing the signs of an existing water issue is important for homeowners.
Look for:
Discoloration on walls or ceiling or around windows from moisture.
Water ponding by the foundation could be a sign of drainage issues and could lead to mold, dry rot, or structural damage
Poor ventilation can cause excessive interior moisture and rot
Old or damaged shingles on the roof and improperly installed flashing can lead to roof leakage