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What You Should Watch Out for in an Older Home -

Brian Lee BurkeBrian Lee Burke
Apr 30, 2021 3 min read
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What You Should Watch Out for in an Older Home -

Buying an older home comes with a lot of perks. They are usually less expensive and have a lot of history in them. Even fixer-uppers tend to have good bones from which you can create your dream home. However, there are a few things that could ruin your older home-buying experience. Some of these problems may cost you quite a bit to fix, so you should know what you’re getting into. Here is what you should watch out for in an older home so that it doesn’t catch you by surprise.

Foundation Problems

If you want to live in your home long-term, you’ll need to inspect the house’s foundation. The foundation may have minimal damage—normal wear and tear over the years—but you want to watch out for large cracks in the stone. You may also notice a foundation problem if the floor is uneven or the doors don’t seem to latch together correctly. These are all problems you’ll need to take care of as soon as possible.

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Plumbing Issues

Your sewer line and water central are integral to your home’s continuing function. The last thing you want to deal with is a sewer backup in your home. Piping in older homes can often use the wrong material, or its layout could lead to clogs forming in the pipes. A professional plumber can inspect your home for any signs of plumbing problems. You may also want to watch out for poor water pressure and signs of mold growth as you look around the house.

Old Electrical Wiring

Of all the things to watch out for in an older home, the house’s wiring is one you don’t want to skip over. Aged electrical wiring can short-circuit and cause fires. If you notice two-pronged power outlets, you’ll need a professional to replace them with three-pronged outlets to help with grounding problems. Flickering lights and regular power outages also indicate a faulty wiring system.

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Let us help you. Call or Text Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents.

Hazardous Building Materials

If you believe there to be any hazardous material inside your new home, you’ll need a building inspector to check things out. Hazards such as lead paint and asbestos can severely damage people living with them. If you notice these problems, do not attempt to fix them unless you know what you’re doing. Call a professional to find and remove these health hazards before they amount to something terrible.

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WRITTEN BY
Brian Lee Burke
Brian Lee Burke
AUTHOR, E-PRO®, REALTOR® BROKER

Brian Lee Burke is the founder and team leader of Kenna Real Estate Group, a real estate team at Keller Williams DTC. A licensed REALTOR® since 2002, Brian helps Colorado buyers and sellers navigate residential real estate, new construction, pricing, and negotiation. He is also the author of The Real Estate Playbook and Mastering Real Estate: Your Guide to Becoming a Top Agent.

View Brian Lee Burke’s full profile.