So you’ve just bought a beautiful old home that’s been standing for over a century. Congratulations! While you may be excited to move in and start making it your own, there are a few things you need to take care of first. Namely, getting it inspected. Here are some of the most important inspections you’ll need to conduct on your new home. The following inspections will ensure your home is safe to be in and will give you peace of mind going forward.
Foundation Inspection
One of the most important inspections you’ll need to conduct is on the foundation. Given that your home is over 100 years old, there’s a good chance that the foundation has shifted or settled over time. This can cause cracks in the foundation, which can lead to serious structural problems down the road. A professional foundation inspection will be able to tell you whether or not your foundation needs to be repaired or replaced. A foundation inspection may also include a stair inspection. A professional will be able to evaluate the condition of your home’s foundation based on the state of the stairs in the home.
Roof Inspection
Another important inspection is on the roof. Your roof is what protects your home from the elements, so it’s important that it’s in good condition. A professional roof inspector will be able to tell you if your roof needs to be repaired or replaced. They’ll also be able to tell you if there are any weak spots that could cause problems down the road. It is likely you’ll need to replace the roof of an old home, since they typically only last around 20 years.
Electrical Inspection
Your home’s electrical system is another crucial element that needs to be inspected. An electrical inspection will ensure that your home’s wiring is up to code and that there are no frayed wires or other potential hazards. A professional electrician will be able to tell you if your home’s electrical system needs to be updated or repaired in any way.
Plumbing Inspection
You’ll need to have a professional plumber inspect your home’s plumbing system. This will ensure that there are no leaks or other problems that could cause serious damage to your home. A plumbing inspection will also let you know if your home’s pipes need to be replaced or if they’re in good condition. They will be able to see what material the pipes are made from and if they are safe.
Pipeline Inspection
If you have a gas line or water line running through your property, it’s important to have those inspected as well. A professional pipeline inspection professional will be able to tell you if there are any leaks in the lines or other issues that could cause problems down the road. This is especially important if your home is over 100 years old, since these lines may no longer be up to code.
Appliance Inspection
It’s important to have any major appliances (like the furnace or air conditioner) inspected by a professional. They’ll be able to tell you if your home’s appliances are in good working order and if they need to be repaired or replaced. This is especially important when dealing with an older home, since older appliances can be inefficient and more prone to breaking down.
HVAC Inspection
You’ll want to have a professional HVAC technician inspect your home’s heating and cooling system. This will ensure that the system is working properly and that there are no safety issues or other problems that could cause damage to your home. They can also test the efficiency of the system in your home.
Exterior Inspections
You’ll need to have a professional inspect the exterior of your home. This will ensure that there are no damaged siding or other issues that could lead to leaks or other problems down the road. A professional inspector will also be able to tell you if any shingles need to be replaced or if there are any major concerns with the landscaping.
Insulation Inspection
You’ll want to get an insulation inspection. This will tell you if your home’s insulation is still in good condition or if it needs to be upgraded. Insulation can help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, so it’s important that it’s up to date.
Radon Testing
It’s important to have your home tested for radon. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can be found in many homes. If present at high levels, it can be dangerous to your health and the health of your family. A professional will be able to test your home for radon and tell you if it needs to be addressed.
Mold Testing
Finally, you’ll also want to have your home tested for mold. Mold can be dangerous, and it can cause health problems if left untreated. A professional will be able to tell you if there is any mold present in your home and how to best get rid of it.
These are just some of the important inspections you’ll need to conduct on your 100-year-old house before moving in. While it may seem like a lot of work up front, these inspections will help ensure that your home is safe and structurally sound for years to come. So don’t put it off – schedule an inspection as soon as possible after purchasing an old home!
