When you’re purchasing a house older than five years, you must have a detailed understanding of the potential issues. While proper maintenance can keep a house standing for hundreds of years, some issues are bound to occur eventually. A home inspection will help you catch these problems and ensure you’re not bombarded with unexpected repair costs after signing the papers.

What Are Common Issues for Older House?

The home’s foundation affects every other area of the property. If it’s sinking, heaving, or deteriorating, it will cause the floor inside to look or feel uneven. It can also produce cracks in the drywall and cause doors and windows to jam. 

If the house’s roof is outdated, it won’t effectively protect the interior from water. When moisture leaks inside the home, it can result in stains on the walls and ceilings, mold growth, flaking paint, and soggy or buckling floorboards. 

Many older homes also have poor drainage and waterproofing setups. Excess moisture around the crawlspace or basement can lead to frequent flooding and will contribute to foundation deterioration. This can attract insects and cause the surrounding landscape to flood or erode.

How Will a Home Inspection Help?

A certified home inspector not only identifies all visible and potential problems with an older house, but they also help you determine how much these issues will cost to repair. This information allows you to make a lower offer on the house so you have enough left in the budget to correct the problems on your own.

You might also incorporate these issues into the purchase agreement. You can ask the seller to complete certain repairs — particularly those that are essential to the house or make it unsafe — before you agree to their asking price.

When buying a house, you need to stay vigilant and informed to ensure you get the best deal possible. Spectrum Property Inspections provides comprehensive home inspections throughout Aurora, CO, and the surrounding areas. Their experts will thoroughly survey the property and look for damage that affects the integrity of the home. Visit their website to learn more about their services and certifications, or call (720) 543-4555 to schedule an appointment.