Before Buying an Old Home

4 Things To Check Before Buying An Old Home

Buying a home is not common for the average Kansas City or St. Joseph family in Missouri. Most people

only buy a home once or twice in their lifetime. Hence, it is common to overlook or not check a few key

things before buying an old home.

Let’s discuss four things to check before buying an old home to help you avoid any major issues down

the line.

Of course, your best option is to consult the experts at Blackstone Construction in Kansas City and St.

Joseph, Missouri, for any electrical, construction, remodeling, or home inspection solutions you may

require..

Perhaps the most common issues with old homes are their outdated plumbing and electrical systems.

You must account for these crucial and expensive systems before buying an old home.

- Blackstone Construction

1. Potential

Older homes may not offer the best aesthetics, features, layouts, or fixtures. It is easy to disregard an old home because it may not have an open-floor plan or modern fixtures, but you must look beyond and consider its potential.

Most old homes require a little creativity, some funds, and a bit of effort to achieve the desired features, design, look, or aesthetic. You may come across plenty of old homes with one or two big flaws that do not fit the bill, but you have to consider their potential before completely writing them off.

Similarly, you want to avoid old homes with low, expensive, or no potential for improvements and

remodeling.

2. Outdated Plumbing and Electrical

Perhaps the most common issues with old homes are their outdated plumbing and electrical systems.

You must account for these crucial and expensive systems before buying an old home.

Firstly, outdated systems are inefficient, which means you will be spending thousands of extra dollars

each year on bills. Secondly, outdated systems can be dangerous if left unchecked or unmaintained.

Lastly, these systems are weak and prone to damage, which can easily result in larger issues like water

damage, mold, etc., that cost even more money down the line.

Ask yourself, is the old home worth the cost? Are you willing to replace plumbing and electrical systems

entirely? Do you have the budget to account for unexpected expenses that may come with such a large

replacement project?

The answers to these questions will help you determine whether to consider buying an old home with

outdated systems.

3. Hazardous Materials

Mold is a fairly obvious thing to avoid in a home, and old homes are a hotbed for mold and hazardous

materials like asbestos, lead, and radon. You will find these materials in homes built before the 70s

because the health issues that come from using them or living with them were not widely known.

For safety reasons, get professionals to check the home you’re buying for the presence of such

hazardous materials, especially if it’s an old one. Once they give you the go-ahead, you can decide to

buy it. It is also important to consider the costs of removing these materials properly.

4. Structural Integrity

Old homes in Kansas City and St. Joseph have been through the seasonal changes and inclement

weather Missouri has to offer. There could be structural issues depending on how previous owners have

or haven’t maintained the home.

You must check for structural or foundation damage like uneven floors, visible wall cracks, exterior

cracks, dry rot, corrosion, etc.

Our Final Thoughts

Checking the mentioned things will help you avoid buying an old home that causes problems down the

line. It is always best to get a comprehensive inspection done professionally and clear any concerns with

the sellers before making an offer.

We offer the best and most comprehensive residential and commercial construction solutions at

Blackstone Construction. These solutions include work related to general electric work, tile work,

remodeling, and new builds.

Visit our website today! Learn more about the best comprehensive remodeling, construction, and

electrical solutions in Kansas City and St. Joseph, Missouri, or get a free quote via our website.