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.
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 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.