The Most Common Problems In Older Homes *

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There’s something very enchanting about a home with history in its walls. Unfortunately, not all of the original features found in a historic property are so charming – some of them may be dysfunctional, uneconomical or downright dangerous. Identifying these problems before moving into a home is important so that you know what you have to deal with.

Below are just some of the common issues anyone buying an older home should watch out for. 

Corroded plumbing

Many older homes have original plumbing made from galvanized steel, cast iron or even lead. Years of use can lead to such plumbing becoming corroded – which can lead to leaks, blockages or contaminated water. Although thankfully rare to encounter nowadays, lead pipes are by far the most dangerous type of old piping as they can poison the water supply. Always replace lead pipes as soon as possible. Older cast iron plumbing could also be worth replacing if there are already signs of issues such as low pressure, discoloured water or visibly rusty pipes. 

Outdated wiring

It’s recommended that homes get rewired every 30 years. This is because wiring can wear over time, causing hot inner sections to become exposed, consequently turning them into a fire hazard. Signs of worn wiring include buzzing sounds, flickering lights or burning smells. You should be particularly wary of historic electric features like fabric-insulated cables or vintage fuse boxes with wooden backs. A professional electrician will be able to help you identify any outdated features. 

Inefficient heating

Many older homes also suffer from inefficient heating systems. While it’s likely the boiler will have been replaced at some point, there could be other components like radiators or hot water tanks that are heavily corroded. This could result in cold spots around your home and expensive energy bills due more gas or electricity being required to create sufficient heat. Central heating services will be able to retrofit your home with modern heating solutions, although you should note that this may be challenging in some properties. 

Poor insulation

Lack of insulation can further lead to sky-high energy bills in an older property. Some older properties may have single-glazed windows and little to no loft insulation. Other properties may have asbestos insulation – which although effective at reducing heat loss can be highly dangerous if particles are inhaled. Be prepared to remove asbestos insulation and add insulation to any poorly protected parts of the home.

Damaged roofing

A lot of older homes also have leaky roofs. This can lead to water damage inside your home and problems like mould and pests. Some old roofs can also start to sag if poorly supported. Always get the roof inspected when buying an older property. A roof replacement is an expensive home improvement, but it could be necessary if your roof is falling apart, plus it may be a chance to add extra features like insulation to keep your home warm or even skylights to let in light (if you want to turn your loft into a functional room).