Most purchasers of older homes love the character and look of Century homes. Older homes have stood for decades, some centuries, and weathered many storms. Some were built by hand by genuine craftsman, with meticulous attention to detail.
Old foundations are typically constructed of concrete and stones which can lead to cracks etc. a cracked foundation left unaddressed can be a prescription for disaster. Common foundation materials used back then, such as cement and cinder blocks, crack and leak over time, especially if they weren’t sealed on the exterior side, which also was common in those days. Water seepage can lead to both structural threats (rot and termites) and health issues
Having your electrical system inspected is very important. Knob and tube wiring was used in most older homes. Sometimes not all of it is removed and when is was removed typically older style two wire was used which has no ground. Use a qualified home inspector or licensed electrician to evaluate your electrical system.
Asbestos can be present in many older homes and can be expensive to have removed. The main areas of the house where asbestos was used were in basements ,attics or roofs. As an acoustical or heat insulator, asbestos was often placed in, around or between steel beams, water and sewer pipes, ducts, high temperature gaskets, stovepipe rings, electrical wiring, vinyl and linoleum sheet flooring, floor backing, shingles, panels, partitions and acoustic tiles. It was also placed in the areas of heaters, boilers, furnaces, incinerators, artificial fireplaces and barbecues.
Cold water galvanized pipe was used in older homes. The original thought was that it did not rust like traditional black iron pipe. What later was discovered was that it will and did rust from the inside out. Turning on your tap when it has not been used for a while will usually result in visible rust or galvanized particles coming from tap. Many insurance companies will not insure homes with galvanized plumbing pipes.
Lead paint can be found in many older homes and can have built up over the past 100 years of remodeling and painting. Lead paint is a major cause of lead poisoning for both adults and children. In adults, it can cause irritability, poor muscle coordination, and nerve damage to the sense organs and nerves controlling the body. Lead poisoning may also cause problems with reproduction (such as a decreased sperm count). It may also increase blood pressure.
Heating an older home can be a challenge if not already remodeled. Most older homes had cast iron radiators and an old boiler installed. In older boiler systems the pipes and radiators in an old house are large, the heating system contains a lot of water that has to be heated every time the thermostat goes on. Whether upgrading the existing system or installing a new system it would be wise to obtain the services of a qualified heating contractor to evaluate your options and expense of upgrade.
The Barrie Home Inspector has many years of experience in inspecting Century Homes and is also a Certified Building Code Official with the Ontario Building Officials Association. Commercial Building inspections also entail the same problems as residential and buyers have to be aware of the risks and hazards involved in purchasing older properties. Visit the Barrie Home Inspector’s site a www.barriehomeinspections.com to obtain more information and advice when dealing with older homes.
