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Buying an old home is appealing for people who want to embrace the history and perhaps learn a little more about the area they live in. These traditional houses are packed with memories, and they boast a character that you just cannot find in the modern new builds that all look the same, making it difficult to make it truly yours.
But, as romantic as an old home might be, it will not come without its share of problems. If you’ve purchased a fixer-upper, you might be in for more than you’ve bargained for. Here are six common problems you might encounter after buying an old home.
Leaking Roof
Time and the elements are two of the biggest issues that a home can face, so it’s no surprise that older homes are typically more damaged than new ones. Often, the significant problems are around the top of the home.
The roof can suffer damage from storms, rain, and flying debris. This leads to gaps and increases the risk of critters and damp finding their way inside. If you don't get this fixed immediately, you already put yourself at a disadvantage. By fixing your leaking roof, you can solve many of the problems that commonly affect old homes, making it easier to focus on other issues.
Rusty Pipes
Experts will tell you that you do not mess with water. No matter how small any leak might seem, it’s something you must fix as soon as possible, and in some cases, it may already be too late.
One major issue of old homes is the rusty pipes. Mineral buildup throughout the years can degrade these pipes and make them insufficient for what you require. This can increase the chances of rotting floorboards and damage to the walls. A damp expert should be able to help with this, as they will use a moisture meter around the home to identify dampness levels and provide advice on how to proceed.
Dangerous Wiring
Electrical wiring has evolved throughout the years. Previous generations did not have the tools or even the skills to ensure safe writing throughout your home. And this could put you at risk if you are not careful.
You can identify dangerous wiring by checking each socket. If you hear a faint buzzing, there is a chance that your wiring is not fit for purpose. Other issues include randomly dimming lights and sparks when you plug something into the socket. At the very worst, this could cause a lasting power outage and even shock you if you get too close to the socket, so get this checked as soon as you can.
Foundation Issues
Foundation issues can be tricky to identify and even more challenging to stop, especially with old homes that have undergone plenty of stress through the years. There are some common problems to look for, such as cracks in the wall and mysterious creaking that may or may not be evidence of ghosts.
A foundation issue is something you should never ignore. At the very least, get someone to inspect it to make sure your home does not suffer even more damage. The sooner you act, the sooner you can get things fixed and feel safer within your home.
Infestations
Many of these problems can also lead to infestations, and some could even be caused by an infestation. You should know how to find evidence that something else is living inside your home. This can include noises, droppings, and tracks on the floor.
Of course, we all know how unpleasant dealing with pests is, so if you don’t want to fix this yourself, services such as Terminix pest control are the best way to overcome it. Removing pests for goods will help you sleep soundly and enjoy your new home.
A Worn Down Front
If you’ve purchased a home to improve it and make it look as good as possible, you should think about curb appeal and how this affects the exterior.
There are multiple ways to boost curb appeal, and it’s important to consider how you want the exterior to look. Are you hoping to maintain the traditional style, or would you prefer to modernize it? While this answer might seem obvious at first, you should also think about how it will affect the rest of the neighborhood.
Fixer Upper
Even the most ambitious DIYers will quickly discover they have a big job on their hands when faced with any of these tasks. While some are easily fixable by yourself, you may need to ask professionals to stop by and inspect other problems. This will ensure you make your home as safe and as comfortable as possible.
