Ask this old house a question
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Learn more about lead here.”Īsbestos was once considered a great insulator, but has been proven to cause respiratory problems, sometimes leading to lung cancer. Regulations in the 1970’s limited the amount of lead allowed in paint and, today, just 0.06% is permitted under U.S. “Before 1955, paint in homes was composed of up to 50% lead.
Ask this old house a question professional#
Lead paint can potentially cause life-threatening damage in children and adults, so if your new home tests positive for having this, make sure to invest in professional removal services. Before buying or moving into a home built in this time, make sure to have it checked for both of these hazardous materials since neither can be seen by the naked eye. Many older homes built before 1978 contain both lead-based paint and asbestos.
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Leaks or moisture in your attic or top floor.“Locations with extreme weather like South Florida, desert areas like Arizona and midwestern cities like Chicago where they have extreme hot and cold seasons are more likely to need roof repairs sooner than in milder climates.” Review our roof maintenance checklist to familiarize yourself with what to look for, and then call a professional home inspector to assess your roof and what repairs it may need. While different types of shingles have diverse lifespans, it really depends on the weather, maintenance record, installation quality and roof grade. One of the most prevalent old house problems is the condition of the roof. The average cost for foundation repair is around $4,274, but the price range will vary depending on the severity of the issue.It’s best to have a structural engineer come out to assess the damage and help create a repair strategy.
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The cause of your foundation issues can range anywhere from normal wear and tear due to age, to profusely wet soil, seismic activity or tree roots from a well-established tree. They can range from smaller settlement cracks to damaged support footings, which can be extremely costly. Foundation Issuesįoundation issues in old homes are very common and must be addressed in order to keep the home livable. To help you do your due diligence before getting your heart set on a classic home, here are the most common problems to look for. Michael Spaargaren | First Choice Inspectors LLC
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Do your research to find a company or inspector with a diverse background in older homes, roofing, home wiring and knowledge in lead and asbestos.” “Make sure to get a comprehensive home inspection prior to buying an old house. 9 Problems with Old HousesĪge is subjective when it comes to houses, but an unwritten rule is that if a home is 50 years or older it’s considered “old” and a home built before 1920 is considered “antique.” There are many factors that can contribute to the condition your potential dream home may be in, and thankfully most can be caught during the home inspection phase of the buying process. Not all problems are dealbreakers, but they are important to keep top of mind when considering living in an old house. But we also need to be aware of the issues we can run into when purchasing one. We love old homes and all the charm and character they bring – the wood built-ins, pocket doors and exposed brick.