Let's start this article by making the assertion that any home that one would consider purchasing should be inspected regardless of age. Even new construction homes have some particular concerns that can be expensive to fix if not found early. However, this article is going to focus on some of the things that can be costly to fix in older homes. The process of a home inspection is simply there to protect the buyer. They are spending a lot of money on a home and want to be sure that they get what they are paying for and not being sold a problem that will be nasty and expensive to repair.
Electrical Systems - In today's high-technology world we use a lot of electricity. Appliances and electronics use far more energy that ever before and most older homes do not have electrical systems that are well set up to handle this load. The minimum load that most homes today require is around 100 amps and many older electrical systems are rated at 40 - 60 amps. Overloading an electrical system is a highly dangerous thing as it can very easily lead to shorts and fires.
Foundations - One of the bigger concerns with older homes is the condition of its foundation. Over time foundations can settle, or worse; crumble if they were improperly built or damaged. Settling foundations can cause floors to become uneven, doors to stick and can cause problems with walls and joists if left to be. At the first sign of floor depressions (usually the first sign of foundation trouble) have a professional look at the foundations to see if they are to blame.
Water - This is likely the cause of more home damage than any other single factor. Luckily it is fairly easy to detect, in some homes. Look for discoloration on ceilings, floors and walls. Sometimes water damage is accompanied by mold and the musty, mildew smell is hard to miss. Perhaps the most aggravating thing about water damage is that it can start anywhere. Leaky roofs, leaky pipes or leaky foundations, water can get everywhere in a home quite easily and once it gets where its not supposed to be; trouble follows.
Never buy a home without having it inspected. This goes doubly for older homes as there is the wear & tear factor to consider. Inspecting a home is a step towards the protection of your family and your investment so never skimp on the inspections.
Although a large number of new homes are built in our country every year, the vast majority of residential properties are older homes that require much more maintenance and care to prevent problems like basement flooding and foundation damage. While older homes can be a great investment and in many ways are a more attractive purchase than even their brand-new counterparts, you certainly have to be proactive with measures like basement waterproofing and other maintenance to make sure your property remains safe and secure. With each year that passes, an older home experiences more stresses and small damages that can end up causing big problems before anyone realizes the possibilities.
Basement waterproofing is a tricky kind of project, because in many cases you might need the service but not see any immediate benefits from having it done. Just like locking your doors, waterproofing your older home's basement might never be necessary at all . . . but on the one occasion when it becomes necessary, it instantly pays for itself. Even geographic areas that have classically not seen high levels of rainfall are finding that ground saturation is rising every year with increasing precipitation. Regardless of why our weather patterns are gradually changing in this country, the fact remains that it is becoming a larger and larger gamble to leave your basement without proper waterproofing, especially if your home is more than half a century old.
That's not to say that older homes in every state in the union have an equal amount of flooding and water damage problems. Obviously, residences in dry western states see much less need for basement waterproofing than those in the northeast or Pacific northwest. Additionally, close proximity to a large body of water, like the Great Lakes, might make basement waterproofing a more necessary precaution for your investment. In fact, when it comes to some particularly flood-prone areas, it's much more likely than not that your older home's basement will eventually flood if it hasn't at some point in the past.
Companies that specialize in flood protection and basement waterproofing are becoming more and more numerous, and the technology is becoming more effective and affordable every year. What would have cost you a large amount of money ten years ago can be done for much less today, and because of increased competition in the plumbing and home improvement field, you can easily shop prices and find a good deal if you decide your basement needs work.
If your older home's basement waterproofing needs aren't an immediate emergency, make sure that you take the time to research the best local contractor options. By dedicating some time to choosing the right company, you'll save yourself plenty of time and expenses, as well.
Both Cyndi And Cary Gerken & Paul Vant are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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