4 Common Problems When Buying an Old House
4 Common Problems When Buying an Old House
Many prospective buyers dream of purchasing an old property for its character and charm. As beautiful as a building might be, it does not mean its free from problems, which could impact your lifestyle and finances.
It is essential to make an informed choice before you make an offer and commit to a purchase. To ensure you do not later regret your decision to purchase a traditional property. Read about the 4 common problems when buying an old house.
1. Asbestos Hazards
Many Australian homes built before 1990 may contain asbestos. Which is a hidden hazard that can seriously affect your health after long exposure. The hazardous substance could live inside internal and external wall cladding, ceilings, and fences. It can, therefore, pose a risk to your health when disturbed, such as drilling, building work or scraping. Asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and more. However, you will not be at direct risk of exposure if the fibres are tucked away safely.
2. Plumbing Issues
An old, outdated plumbing system could lead to flooding damage and serious water damage within the home. Which can impact your property’s structure. Unfortunately, it could cost you tens of thousands of dollars to resolve if your property is not covered for water damage. It means that you need to review the plumbing system before you make an offer, and you should also have the number for an emergency 24hr plumbing service to resolve serious problems immediately.
3. Foundation and Structural Problems
Even the most sturdily built homes cannot help but feel the effects of nature. Older properties can be vulnerable to foundation and structural problems, such as unevenness, large cracks, dry rot, and moisture damage. When you are viewing a property, you need to look for the signs of foundation and structural issues, such as visible wall cracks, stuck windows, off-level flooring, or doors that jam or cannot latch. If in doubt, hire a structural engineer who can offer their expert opinion on the building. If you do have your heart set on an old property with structural and foundation damage, expect to pay thousands of dollars to repair the issue.
4. Roofing Damage
It is common for old properties to have deteriorating roofs, as they will have been protecting the property for many decades. Unfortunately, roof damage can cause a variety of issues for your home. Such as; interior water damage, poor insulation, and pest infestations. It could potentially cost the homeowner thousands to remedy. So, you might be best investing your money into another property if you suspect a roofing issue. Look for signs such as damaged or missing shingles, sagging gutters, water damage in upper floors, attic critters, and crumbling roof cement.
If you cannot spot any red flags, consider the property’s age and current condition before you buy. You can also hire a roof inspector, who can identify if there are any signs of wear
