The Charm and Challenges of Older Properties
From 15th Century Postmedieval English homes to the New Traditional period, the United States has a rich and varied architectural history. Today, older properties continue to draw buyers, charmed by design features from a bygone era. While there’s something undoubtedly romantic about living in an older property, there’s also some challenges.
Older buildings left unmaintained for long periods also tend to accumulate problems over the years. Restoring an old house can take a lot of hard work and a little imagination, especially if it’s in a state of disrepair. This article explores common problems you might encounter and how to deal with them.
Pest Control
If you hear strange noises in the night you might think your house is haunted, but a more likely reason could be an infestation potentially leading to damaged structural and mechanical systems. Contacting your local bird, insect or rodent pest control center can help to resolve the issue before any worsening damage.
Drainage and Waterproofing
Older properties (especially those with poor water runoff) may have damp, dry rot or mold, which can lead to structural damage and poor health. Results from DIY mold-removal jobs vary and may not be 100% safe. To get the job done permanently, call in a specialist.
Electrical Work
Those moving into an older house may find the number of available power outlets insufficient by today’s standards. Even more importantly, an outdated wiring system is not only not up to code, it’s also one of the leading causes of domestic fires. Never attempt electrical work yourself: instead, contact a trained and licensed electrician to do the work.
Toxic Substances
Some older houses were made using materials that were later revealed to be a hazard to health and safety. Three major examples of these include:
- Lead: Found in many homes pre-dating 1978, exposure to lead continues to affect a significant number of US people to this day.
- Asbestos: Homes built from 1920-1978 are likely to contain this insinuating material, high levels of which can lead to lung disease and cancer.
- Radon: Radon can increase lung cancer risk, especially in smokers. While this colorless, odorless gas is hard to detect, radon tests are inexpensive.
If you suspect any of these substances may be present in your home, never attempt to remove them yourself, especially asbestos, which requires specialist treatment to ensure complete and safe removal. Check the Environmental Protection Agency for more information.
Mechanical and Structural Issues
In older homes deterioration and outdated building methods can lead to significant problems such as roof collapse. Additionally, older plumbing systems (particularly those installed before 1960) can lead to a range of leaky, unpleasant problems. Some contractors may even specialize in working with older homes, so check the DCA or your State licensing board for more details
Before You Buy
That “fixer-upper” may be a bargain, but costs quickly accumulate. Before purchase, try to find the extent of the damage so that you know exactly how much time, work, and money you’re willing to invest. A structural inspection from a licensed engineer can help to identify any potential problems.
Remember that while some tasks can be “DIY”, others (especially electrical work) should always be done by a professional. Additionally from a legal and financial standpoint, code compliance is essential, so check with your local building department or zoning board.
