1. Radon
Buyers need to test the levels of radon when purchasing an older home, because many “older homes were not built to prevent randon from entering it”. Radon is a “cancer causing radioactive gas that we cannot see, taste, or smell,” which is why it is necessary to test for it during the inspection.
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2. Foundation
It’s important to inspect a home’s foundation when buying an older house, because foundations in older homes may be cracked. Many older homes were built on stone foundations that weren’t designed to prevent moisture from entering it, and this moisture is what often causes the foundation to break down.
The small cracks are not too detrimental because they can be fixed easily, but buyers need to look out for the larger cracks which are more difficult to deal with, and that are quite costly to fix. “Cracks in walls, bulging floors, and doors that don’t close” may be signs that there is something wrong with the home’s foundation, and are thus signs that buyers should not simply ignore.
[/two] [two]3. Lead Paint
If purchasing a home that was built or painted before using lead paint became illegal, then it is necessary to inspect for possible lead paint. This is crucial because lead paint can cause lead poisoning, which can generate numerous medical issues among adults, and can be especially harmful to developing children. It is quite difficult to detect lead paint, so hiring a professional to do so is the safest option possible.
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4. The Roof
Buyers often don’t pay attention to the condition of the roof, because they mainly focus on the interior of a house. It is necessary however to examine the roof, and inquire about its age, and its condition. Even before entering the house, buyers should look at the roof from the curb, and see if they notice the roof sagging. Once in the house, they should take note of any “water damage, leaking, or any dark spots,” as these may be signs that the roof is in need of repair. It’s important to be familiar with the roof’s condition, because repairing or replacing altogether is one of the most costly upgrades, averaging to around $10, 000.
[/two] [two]5. Plumbing
It’s important to have the plumbing system in older houses inspected by a plumbing contractor, because old houses generally have older pipes. Older pipes may be decayed, corroded, and clogged, and replacing them can also be quite costly. It is better for buyers to know beforehand if that is something they would want to invest in, and in general it is better for them to know what awaits them.
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