Buying a new home is always a big step, but it’s an even bigger one if you’ve decided to purchase an older home instead of a new build. There are many things to love about an older home, as many of them have character in ways new homes just haven’t yet earned! Owning an older home, though, requires you to immediately focus on home repairs and maintenance. What are some of the things you need to check on, though?
Foundation Issues
One of the most important parts of a home is its foundation; a home simply can’t function without it. Older homes are much more often subject to foundation cracks Tulsa OK, so it’s vital that you keep an eye out for any potential issues. Luckily foundation issues can often be repaired by professionals.
Lead Paint
Lead paint, a known health hazard, wasn’t banned until the mid-1970s, so if you have a home that was built prior to that, it’s likely this paint was used in it at least once. If your home hasn’t been repainted in a while, it is a good idea to take samples of your paint to be tested for lead to ensure this hazard isn’t still prevalent.
Wiring Problems
Depending on how old your home is, the wiring might be an issue. Electrical codes change over the years, so you might need to call an electrician to come check things out. Wiring is something that isn’t visible during a home inspection, so potential concerns might not be immediately visible, especially if the power isn’t on during the inspection.
Asbestos
Long thought to be a miracle product, it’s now common knowledge that asbestos is extremely dangerous to humans. Due to its popularity during its heyday, though, many old homes might have it lurking somewhere. If your home was built before the 1970s, you should have it checked for asbestos just to be safe.