Older homes are popular thanks to home improvement television shows and blogs. When compared to a new home, they generally are less expensive, located in established neighborhoods with large yards and full of unique charming features. If you find yourself in love with a house built over 30 years ago, get a general home inspection done to determine the overall state of the home. To avoid costly repairs later due to hidden issues, do separate inspections of these three areas before you buy. Any revealed problems should be fixed by the seller prior to closing or negotiated for a decreased sale price on the home.
1. Plumbing
Steel pipes last an average of 20 years, while brass, copper or iron have a lifespan of 50. Tree roots can also penetrate pipe joints in a search for water. Hire a reputable plumber to scope your sewer line and pipes with a plumbing camera Killeen TX to look for blockages and deterioration. This protects you from future pricey repairs due to broken pipes flooding your home or a sewage backup in your bathrooms.
2. Electrical
Electrical wiring installed before 1960 has an average lifespan of 70 years. Those installed after 1960 are built to last 100 years. However, factors such as fire, water leaks or rodents could damage the electrical system of the home. Hire a licensed electrician to inspect the breakers, panels and wiring to identify any problems.
3. Pest
The presence of pests like termites, rodents, scorpions or snakes aren’t visible to the untrained eye. A licensed pest inspector will identify any issues and give you a solution, whether that’s a one-time fix or a series of future treatments. He or she will also advise you of any preventive actions you can take to keep pests out of your home.
Getting these three inspections done before buying an older home will give you peace-of-mind about your purchase and protect you from costly repairs later.