6 Possible Safety Repairs for Older Homes

Owning an older home comes with many joys including the history of the home and often the solid craftsmanship of the structure itself. Homes age, however, and systems need updating due to getting worn out over time, exposure to the elements or just advances in technology. If you own or are thinking of buying an older home, keep your eye on these potential safety concerns.

Electrical

When homes were first wired for electricity, there were very few appliances to plug in. Now with the help of adaptors, the same outlet can power a coffee maker, TV, computer and Roomba recharging station. Plug in your hair dryer at a neighboring outlet and you’ll wish you had installed a whole home surge protector. Your best bet is to hire a professional to upgrade your electrical system, including switching out any two-pronged plugs, before you blow a fuse.

Plumbing

Really old homes used to have no bathrooms inside. A modern home (a hundred years ago) would have one bathroom for everyone to use. If your home has been updated to add additional bathrooms, a washer connection, sprinkler system or utility sink, you may find the water pressure is a bit low. Couple this with corroding pipes made from galvanized metal and you may have a major plumbing problem on your hand. Even sink and tub fixtures need replacing at some point. There are plenty of plumbing supply companies that will sell you old-fashioned looking fixtures, if you like that look, that work better than the originals.

Foundation

A few cracks in the wall or ceiling might be quaint and show the long and storied life you house has lived. Some settling is normal, especially in an older home. An inspector can tell you if any foundation cracks are well within the expectation of an older house. The wood sill or ground plate that sits on top of the concrete slab, however, can become water or insect damaged over time. The only way to repair one is to jack the entire house up which can lead to more wall and ceiling cracks.

Roof

Those beautifully peaked roofs of Queen Anne style homes can harbor various problems. Small leaks caused by seams opening when the house shifts over time can lead to moisture and then possible mold. Even a roof that looks in good repair from street level could have cracks and gaps hidden by cupolas or gables. The only way to know for sure is to hire a roof inspector who climbs up to the top for a bird’s eye view.

Insulation

Older homes often don’t have great insulation. Fireplaces in every room and heated bricks in bed were about the best you could hope for in the winter. All those beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows used to be opened all summer long to let the breeze blow through. Few people find the open window or heated brick systems efficient anymore and most prefer using their HVAC unit to stay comfortable. Unless you add in attic insulation, weather stripping to doors and seal the rattle windows, all that expensive cold or hot air may seep right out.

Critters

Go into any older neighborhood with wood framed houses and you’ll likely see termite bates placed at regular intervals around the perimeter of each home. Pest inspections are especially important in older homes because cracks and crevices open over time which create a natural entryway for critters who would like to share your warm home. Mice and rats can utilize even the smallest holes in the baseboard or fascia boards of your home. If they can’t quite fit, they are happy to chew their way through. Bats also like dark attic spaces and are often more difficult to get rid of because some species are endangered. Always get a thorough top to bottom rodent, insect and mammal inspection of any older home you are considering buying.

Older homes have many positives. They are generally very solidly constructed and have lots of character that isn’t found in newer quicker builds. They do sometimes come with extra safety and maintenance issues, though, so be prepared to take those on before you close the deal.