| Let's start this article by making the | | | | foundation. Over time foundations can settle, |
| assertion that any home that one would | | | | or worse; crumble if they were improperly |
| consider purchasing should be inspected | | | | built or damaged. Settling foundations can |
| regardless of age. Even new construction | | | | cause floors to become uneven, doors to stick |
| homes have some particular concerns that can | | | | and can cause problems with walls and joists |
| be expensive to fix if not found early. | | | | if left to be. At the first sign of floor |
| However, this article is going to focus on | | | | depressions (usually the first sign of |
| some of the things that can be costly to fix | | | | foundation trouble) have a professional look |
| in older homes. The process of a home | | | | at the foundations to see if they are to |
| inspection is simply there to protect the | | | | blame. |
| buyer. They are spending a lot of money on a | | | | |
| home and want to be sure that they get what | | | | Water - This is likely the cause of more home |
| they are paying for and not being sold a | | | | damage than any other single factor. Luckily |
| problem that will be nasty and expensive to | | | | it is fairly easy to detect, in some homes. |
| repair. | | | | Look for discoloration on ceilings, floors |
| | | | and walls. Sometimes water damage is |
| Electrical Systems - In today's | | | | accompanied by mold and the musty, mildew |
| high-technology world we use a lot of | | | | smell is hard to miss. Perhaps the most |
| electricity. Appliances and electronics use | | | | aggravating thing about water damage is that |
| far more energy that ever before and most | | | | it can start anywhere. Leaky roofs, leaky |
| older homes do not have electrical systems | | | | pipes or leaky foundations, water can get |
| that are well set up to handle this load. The | | | | everywhere in a home quite easily and once it |
| minimum load that most homes today require is | | | | gets where its not supposed to be; trouble |
| around 100 amps and many older electrical | | | | follows. |
| systems are rated at 40 - 60 amps. | | | | |
| Overloading an electrical system is a highly | | | | Never buy a home without having it inspected. |
| dangerous thing as it can very easily lead to | | | | This goes doubly for older homes as there is |
| shorts and fires. | | | | the wear & tear factor to consider. |
| | | | Inspecting a home is a step towards the |
| Foundations - One of the bigger concerns with | | | | protection of your family and your investment |
| older homes is the condition of its | | | | so never skimp on the inspections. |