5 Things To Consider When You Buy An Old House 

There is something undeniably romantic and appealing about an old house, particularly one that has a rich history or some particularly coveted period features. 

Whether you are hoping to purchase an old house to live in or to do up as an investment, you will probably be keen to patch up any wear and tear while still trying to keep its unique character intact. 

But before you even put in an offer for an older house, there are a few important things to consider, as buying an aged property has its unique challenges and potential setbacks.

Can You See Any Cracks?

One of the most vital things you need to check when it comes to older homes is their structural integrity, particularly if they are more than a century old. If you don’t know whether the house you are considering has been underpinned, make sure you examine the property very closely and check for cracks in the walls, particularly around the windows and doors. If you do find any, this could be an indication that underpinning will be required, so you will have to factor this into your renovation budget. 

Is The Electrical System Up To Scratch? 

An older house also means an old electrical system. If there is evidence that the wiring has been tested and approved recently, then there should be no need for concern, but if you are in any doubt, it’s important that you call in specialist electricians provided by a service such as Trade Facilities Services. They will be able to assess the system and provide you with a detailed Electrical Installation Condition Report (or EICR) that will tell you if the circuits are safe to use and whether there is any defective wiring or any risk of a shock. 

What’s The Insulation Like? 

We all know the stereotype of the cold and draughty old house. Unfortunately, some stereotypes are based on truth, and this is one of them. Older houses are often poorly insulated compared to newer builds, so you have to bear in mind that the home you are hoping to buy may need some additional work done to prevent too much heat from escaping. This is particularly vital now that energy bills have climbed so high; you will probably be eager to keep your heating costs down as much as possible. 

Do The Pipes Need Replacing?

Another common problem with older houses is their drainage system. In the past, clay pipes were often used as drains, and as time passes, these pipes will inevitably develop leaks along their joints. This leakage could potentially become so severe that it causes subsidence, so it’s a good idea to replace any clay pipes with PVC drains to prevent this kind of severe problem. 

Can You Maintain Its Period Features?

One of the trickiest aspects of buying and doing up an old house is striking the right balance between making essential modern improvements and retaining the period features that make it so special. While it may not be possible to keep all of its original features intact, try and find alternative ways to install modern solutions while still retaining your old home’s original charms.