Buying an old house is a great way to save money and purchase a larger home.
Buying an old house can offer tons of advantages as well as challenges. Today we will provide you with a checklist before buying a house.
Let’s get started!
Location is Everything
Location is something homeowners will take the time to consider before buying a home. For example, people choose homes based on how close it is to their job, kid’s school, in the city or somewhere with a lovely view.
The location will also determine the value of the home. For example, a two-bedroom, one-bathroom home on the coast of California will be more expensive than Iowa. Decide where you’d like to live and begin looking into the average market prices.
Check the Roof
A roof is one of the most expensive things to replace in a home. It is something that needs to be done every 15-20 years, depending on the type of roofing that’s installed. You can check the quality of the roof in a few easy steps. The first thing you’ll want to find out is when was is replaced. Some people do not pay attention to their roofs and, in turn, can wait too long to replace them. This will cause more damage to the home when the roof starts to rot and leak.
Here’s what to look for:
- Curling, cracking, or peeling shingles.
- Missing shingles – most often caused by storm damage. Look for large patches of missing shingles.
- Missing granules – granules are stone and composite material that wears off the shingles as they age.
If you’ve looked for these different signs and are still unsure of whether or not the roof has been damaged, you can always ask a home inspector to check the property for you. Typically, if you are buying an older home, the roof will most likely need to be replaced.
Ensure the Home is Free of Any Toxins
Toxins in a home can destroy a property’s value. Old homes can especially be prone to toxins. Things like lead paint, lead pumping, and asbestos are costly to remove from homes and can be prove to be dangerous. To ensure that the home you are purchasing is free from toxins, a series of tests will be required to be performed.
This is by far the greatest risk to your health in buying an old home, so it should be taken seriously.
Is the Home Everything You Want?
Often older homes are remodeled or upgraded for a more refreshed look. This will also increase the property’s value.
If you’re going to remodel the home, you should consider seeking help from a real estate agent and a structural engineer. They can advise you on the different kinds of upgrades you’ll be able to achieve with the current home and what needs to be changed.
Are You in Love with the House?
This might seem cliche at first, but loving the home, your living in no matter how big, small, old, or new, really does matter. Finding a home you love isn’t always that simple either. When looking to buy a house, you have to keep in mind some of the things we’ve already talked about. Is the location good, is the roof good, are there any toxic present, and does the house meet your needs and wants.
Checklist
Here are the questions to ask when buying a house:
- Is the location right for my family and me?
- What is the condition of the roof?
- What types of repairs need to be done?
- Is the home free of toxins?
- Is the home structural sound for a remodel?
- Can I expect the home value to increase with renovations?
- Do I love this house?
If you’ve purchased an older home or if you’re thinking about it, you might also consider looking into a construction company to help you with the repairs. At WISA, we’re able to repair and replace roofs as well as other parts of the home. Reach out to us with al of your old and new home projects. We’re here for you!