That list is sometimes long, and can be especially daunting for a first-time buyer of an older home. Part of the problem is that the same things that are considered authentic period details end up being on our defect list. For example, “original push-button light switches” means an ungrounded electrical system. “historic wood windows with wavy glass” translates to energy-leaking and difficult to operate, “patina of age” is another name for corrosion and oxidation, and even “1950s modern with exposed beam ceilings” means no attic and no insulation overhead.
This is not intended to discourage you from buying an older house. Just don’t directly compare the features and amenities of a home in an historic neighborhood with a recently built house or you will be sorely disappointed. Grade it on a curve or give it the equivalent of a golfer’s handicap when evaluating one. Even older homes that have been extensively remodeled will have issues that you will have to accept in order to acquire an authentic vintage home.
One realtor we know that specializes in older neighborhoods greets visitors at the door of his weekend open houses by asking “Are you ‘old house people’? If you are, you’re gonna love this house!”
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To read about issues related to homes of particular type or one built in a specific decade, visit one of these blog posts:
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✦What are the most common problems with older houses?
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✦What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1950s house?
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✦What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1960s home?
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✦What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1970s house?
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✦What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1980s house?
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✦What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1990s house?
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✦What problems should I look for when buying a country house or rural property?
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✦What problems should I look when when buying a house that has been moved?
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✦What problems should I look for when buying a house that has been vacant or abandoned?
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✦What are the most common problems with older mobile homes?
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✦What should I look for when buying a “flipper” house?
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✦What should I look for when buying a former rental house?
While we hope you find this series of articles about home inspection helpful, they should not be considered an alternative to an actual home inspection by a local inspector. Also, construction standards vary in different parts of the country and it is possible that important issues related to your area may not be covered here.
© McGarry and Madsen Inspection
