Buying Older Homes
If you’re excited about purchasing and renovating historical homes, The Real Estate Inspection Company can help. We provide seller and home buyer inspections so that clients understand possible safety issues, updates, and the financial risk associated with homes that were built before current building codes were in effect. For more information, contact us at (800) 232-5180. We serve San Diego and the surrounding areas.
What Issues Should I Be Aware Of?
One of the most common questions we receive is “What issues should I be aware of when buying a house built in the 1920s - 1990s?”
This is a great question and brings up the fact that not all homes are the same. Just like a vehicle, technologies and construction methods change. Changes in products and materials, along with construction requirements, are mostly implemented due to safety requirements and are continuously evolving. Older homes have components that are, well – old. And sometimes toxic.
When buying a house built in the 1950’s you should know if the original 70+ year-old components are still in place, such as the plumbing, heating, and electrical. These can be costly to upgrade.
Some materials used in houses built through the 1960s and 1970s turned out to be toxic. Are those still present? Does the house have some of the basic safety upgrades like safety glass, grounded receptacles, firewalls, or seismic strapping?
Houses built during the 1970s have other unique attributes that may need to be upgraded. Several products used in the 1970s have caused fires or contributed to other health issues. Houses built in the 1970s are also likely to still have many original items such as appliances and HVAC systems that are likely worn out.
Check out the detailed guide below for more information on the most commonly found issues in homes from the following decades.
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For your protection, you may also want to check out the following information:
Contact Us Today
When buying an older home, do your due diligence before signing any contracts. The Real Estate Inspection Company is happy to help with our inspection services. Call us at (800) 232-5180 or schedule now. You can also learn more about us and why we’re different. We service San Diego County, Orange County, and Riverside County.