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