Older homes possess a certain charm, but what's less charming are the various safety hazards that may be present, depending on when the home was built.
- Lead-based paint was commonly used prior to 1978 and isn’t a problem if left undisturbed; however, when the paint chips, peels, or is scraped off, particles might be released and subsequently ingested by children or pets, posing a significant health risk.
- Another common component of older building materials is asbestos, which can be present in insulation, vinyl floor coverings, siding, and some roofing materials. Insulation poses the biggest health threat, as the asbestos can become airborne when the insulation is touched. It should only be removed by a licensed professional. Unless damaged, it's best to leave asbestos siding alone.
- Radon, a naturally occurring gas, can enter older homes through foundation cracks or unsealed or improperly vented basement flooring. Foundations in older homes were typically not sealed, and this may lead to cracking and water seepage, leaving the home vulnerable to problems such as rot, mold, and termites.
- Prior to 1940, lead pipes were used for plumbing, and even the steel pipes and soldering on copper pipes used in later years sometimes contained lead. Whole house-water filtration systems can minimize the problem, as can replacement of the pipes, but these measures are costly.
- Outdated wiring can lead to safety concerns, as older construction may not have grounded outlets or the newer ground-fault interrupter outlets in areas where water is present, like kitchens and bathrooms.
The problems inherent in buying an older home are not insurmountable, but may involve significant time and expense. Any purchase of an older home must start with a thorough home inspection to determine if these hazards exist and an assessment of the cost of abating these hazards or upgrading to safer systems.
Why not avoid these problems altogether by buying a new home?
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Source:
http://www.mortgage-investments.com/Investors_in_Real_Estate/problems_with_older_homes.htm
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