5 Red Flags to Watch for When Purchasing a Home from the 1900s

It may not seem like that long ago, but the 1900s are now more than a decade behind us. For new homebuyers, this means that a home that was made prior to the turn of the century is already dated. While older homes certainly have their benefits, over time, there may be a few things that have changed. Being unaware of these changes could force a buyer to eventually face costly issues. If a pre-millennial home has caught your eye, you don’t have to automatically mark it off your list, however. Pay close attention to these areas during your search and you’ll be able to enjoy the charm of a 1900s home. Plumbing If the plumbing is pre-1960, plan on replacing it immediately. All galvanized steel pipes will need to be replaced with modern-day alternatives, since steel plumbing can rust or become easily clogged. If the homeowner assures you plumbing has been replaced, consider paying a licensed plumber to take an in-depth look at it and make sure all of the piping was replaced instead of parts of it. Electrical If a home was built between 1965 and 1972, you should have an electrician check to ensure no aluminum branch circuit wiring exists. More than two million homes were wired with aluminum during this era and, as a result, numerous homes caught fire. Older homes can have a variety of wiring problems, including knob and tube wiring and ungrounded wiring. Homes built in the last part of the century should be built to safer standards, but plan to have it checked before you sign on the dotted line. Asbestos Used extensively in home construction during the 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s, asbestos poses a health hazard to anyone who breathes it. When inhaled, the irritant causes asbestos lung cancer, a form of cancer that causes an estimated 4,800 U.S. deaths each year. If a home was built before 1975, asbestos may be present in vinyl floor tiles, linoleum, roofing material, siding, roof shingles, and other areas throughout the home. Roofing In the 80s, roofs were built using fiberglass, but about a decade later, homeowners began to notice problems with cracking. These weaknesses forced homeowners to replace roofs far earlier than they would have. If you have a home of significant age, have the roof shingles checked to determine how long they’ll last. Appliances In homes built in the last couple of decades of the 1900s, buyers should inspect all appliances, including refrigerators, furnaces, air conditioning units, water heaters, stoves, ovens, and dishwashers. Household appliances have a lifecycle of 10 to 20 years, so if a home was built in the 90s and appliances weren’t replaced, they may not last long after the home is sold. An older home can bring years of enjoyment to a homebuyer, provided he takes the right steps to ensure sound construction. A thorough home inspection by an experienced professional can unearth problems with wiring, plumbing, or construction materials that can be repaired as part of the negotiation process, eliminating the risk of costly repairs later.