5 Questions to Ask Before Buying an Old House

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Ghost? :)

Nicole of FL 10:43AM May 04, 2013

Awsome I formation! Thank you for sharing..I am very interested in a 1921 home and your advice wi cary me through. Also loved your personal touches that made me smile..ghosts?

ooluedm 1.203793 of CA 10:57AM February 18, 2013

In Rhode Island there are many older homes with Knob&Tube wiring.
It may be time to remove this old wiring and install new code compliant wiring http://johnpatrieelectric.com/.http://johnpatrieelectric.com/
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John Patrie of RI 12:32PM January 26, 2013

We are considering buying a home that has active knob and tube wiring throughout most of the house. However the major appliances are run in the remodeled kitchen which runs off of a different, updated breaker box. The sellers agreed to update the 60 amp box to 100 amp service. How does this work with tube and wiring? We plan on getting it updated next year around tax time (putting it in the inspection response to see if the sellers will update it first). There are also NO GFSI outlets anywhere in the house, including the bathrooms, which is something that would need fixed. This house was built in 1910. Other than that, plumbing and water lines have been completely redone, roof is 1 year old, heater and water heater are both 2 years old. They built a screened in porch and two story "playhouse" out back. The wood floors are in great shape. We just have the wiring issue and the central air conditioning unit (which are both expensive repairs.)

Kara of IN 9:15AM May 08, 2012

A slate roof is most likely VERY old - but most likely very solid.
I'd take an old forced hot water radiator over forced "hot" air any day. A home just never feels warm with forced air. And they are often pretty with scroll work.
My 1870 Queen Anne has level issues. Most do. Consider it part of the character.
A field stone basement/foundation will never be leak free. Sump pump is a must. Back up sump is a good idea too.
Know that your home insurance will be costly and you will have to PROVE that you have up to date electrical, etc. They will try to charge you for the price to rebuild to the standards of the era it was built in - costly - as if anyone does that kind of quality work anymore! Be forewarned: old homes and insurance are like oil and water.

HappyVillage of VT 5:12PM January 27, 2012

some of these i knew and would hope others would too. their all essential. roof bad you'll have leaks, fire hazards with the wiring. unexpected flooding with the plumbing

fima of AR 5:29PM January 15, 2012

You forgot the new law that adds 30% to any remodel cost in a pre-1978 house: EPA mandated lead testing and extra labor to handle lead-painted houses when doing any remodel, even a minor one. The only way to avoid this law, which started late 2010, is if the homeowner does all the remodel themselves, not hiring anyone, and does not rent the house out.

Fred of NJ 5:13PM June 16, 2011