Common Problems with Older Houses

The aging process doesn’t just affect us. Did you know that your house also experiences an aging process? In fact, in the construction industry, it’s estimated that every building has, on average, a 50-year “useful” life. That estimate includes even those of you who practice the best maintenance on your home.

If you are planning to buy or sell an older home, you will want to have a home inspector look over everything. Unfortunately, they often come across problems that can stop the buying/selling process. Don’t let it get this far before you're aware of any problems – learn what types of warning signs to pay attention to in advance to avoid costlier, more extensive fixes in the future.

No insulation. If your older home’s insulation hasn’t already begun to deteriorate, chances are it didn’t have any to begin with. Sometimes older houses are built with non-insulated windows and without insulation in walls, floors, and attics at all. Hire a professional to add insulation throughout your house – it’s going to need to be done eventually. Then enjoy lower energy costs!

Improper drainage. Draining that occurs close to the back of your home could pose a problem. Excess moisture could lead to rot in your walls and even movement or unsettling in your foundation. Correcting foundation problems is one of the most expensive problems you will have to fix, so don’t put it off – it will only add to the final bill.

Roofing damage. As your home ages, so does your roof. This can lead to a higher risk of water damage, both to your roof and the interior of your home. Warning signs of damage: curling, lifting, splitting, cupping, or rotting shingles. If your roof is improperly installed, it will speed along the aging process. Make sure that you hire trusted professionals to do the job right the first time!

Faulty wiring. Home regulation standards are constantly changing in an attempt to keep you and your family safer. However, this means that outdated systems are very common in older homes. Also, because of constant usage, wiring wears down easily. These electrical problems require immediate attention because they are usually to blame as the cause of most house fires.

Outdated HVAC systems. Inefficient heating/cooling systems will greatly impact the temperature inside your home. If these systems are outdated, you will see a significant increase in heating/cooling costs every year. This is a sign that it’s time to upgrade!

These problems are not something to set aside and come back to later. The longer you wait, the more extensive the project will be. Not to mention, you could be adding thousands to your bill every year that these problems sit on your to-do list.

Take action and contact us today! We will be happy to give you a FREE estimate before we tackle these problems. You are in good hands with Aspen Home Improvements!