Purchasing an older home, a vintage piece of architecture, is a dream come true for many, especially if it is in the picturesque state of Maine. But there are a few things you must consider before sealing the deal. A vital activity that is highly recommended when buying a home, especially one that is relatively older, is a home inspection.
This blog will explore the common home inspection problems you’ll likely encounter when buying an older home in Maine. Knowing what to expect will help you avoid making a bad decision and settle for the best.
Here are some of the most common problems that may arise when a home inspection is performed in Maine’s old houses.
Foundation Issues
One of the common home inspection problems in older homes is foundation issues. Maine’s freeze-thaw cycles can put pressure on the ground beneath the home and the structure at large. In the long run, this can lead to cracks, wall settling, or even bowing in the foundation walls.
What to Look For
- Cracks In Walls Or Floors: Check for easily seen splits around doors and windows.
- Uneven Floors: If the floor has an uneven feel, this might be due to some underpinning problems.
- Water In The Basement: Thanks to the intense snow and rain in Maine, standing water in the basements is not uncommon in older houses in Maine.
Why It’s A Big Deal
If the foundation problems are left untreated, the outcome will be severe harm to your building and expensive repair services. Some of these issues are best solved as early as possible to prevent additional harm to a home’s structure.
Electrical System Problems
For most homes built before 1960, the electrical system may require a replacement now. These systems may have been fine when set up but are, most likely, not functioning to a modern standard today. Old wires are considered a safety threat, and old houses may lack enough plugs or circuit breakers to cater to the present-day heavy electrical use.
What To Look For
- Fuses Instead Of Circuit Breakers: Fuses are considered an indication of a dated electrical system.
- Exposed Wires: Exposed or bare wires are a hazard.
- Lack Of Grounding: Older houses may not have grounded outlets, but they are important for electrical safety.
Why It’s A Big Deal
Electrical problems are a safety risk. Engage a qualified electrician to assess the system and make changes for maximum safety.
Plumbing Issues
Plumbing problems are often observed in older homes, as the pipes may have been installed long ago. Many older homes in Maine use the original plumbing system made with galvanized steel, lead, and cast iron. These materials can degrade, leak, or pollute water sources, so they must be checked and changed.
What To Look For
- Low Water Pressure: This may mean that there have been debris concentrations in the old pipes.
- Discolored Water: If the water is brown or rusty, it is a sure sign that the pipes are rusty.
- Leaky Pipes: Look for signs of water leakage beneath a sink or in the basement.
Why It’s A Big Deal
Certain problems with pipes can include burst pipes leading to water damage, the appearance of mold, and high water bills. Old plumbing can cost a lot of money to replace, which should be pointed out during the home inspection.
Roof And Attic Problems
Many of the older homes in Maine are likely to have roofs that have experienced some of the harshest weather. This may include hail, snow, and frozen conditions. In winter, ice buildups cause water to back up under shingles, resulting in leaked and damaged attic areas.
What to Look For
- Missing Or Damaged Shingles: Search for those spots on the roof where the shingles are faded or missing.
- Sagging Roof: A low roof that looks sagging might indicate structural problems.
- Moisture Or Stains In The Attic: The attic should be scrutinized to check for signs of moisture, which may result from roof leaks.
Why It’s A Big Deal
A damaged roof will cost a lot of money to fix. It is important to get any problem related to your roof fixed before it gets out of hand.
Insulation And Ventilation
Many older Maine houses were constructed before modern insulation codes. Insufficient insulation causes heat transfer during the colder season and may result in residents’ discomfort. Also, the circulation of air in and around a house can facilitate mold in areas with humidity, such as the basement and an attic.
What To Look For
- Cold Drafts: If you experience cold air around the window and door, the home may have little insulation.
- Moisture Buildup In The Attic Or Basement: This could mean the house is poorly ventilated and could lead to mold.
- Old, Inefficient Windows: Single-pane windows are common in old homes and are not very efficient at insulating spaces.
Why It’s A Big Deal
Insufficient insulation and ventilation will lead to high heating bills. Humidity leads to mold, which is harmful to humans.
Pest Problems
Older Maine homes are more vulnerable to pest issues. The weather conditions and forests in Maine are favorable to pests. Rodents, termites, and all manner of insects can weaken a home’s structural integrity.
What To Look For
- Signs of Rodent Activity: Feces, tracks, or signs of burrows in crawl spaces, beneath floorboards, or in garages.
- Wood Damage: Openings in the framework of walls and round or oval holes in woodwork may suggest a termite attack.
- Visible Insects: The presence of ants or other insects seen within homes means pest issues.
Why It’s A Big Deal
Pests can damage some structural parts and make the home less safe for habitation. Termites damaging wooden support or rats or rodents damaging wiring and insulation can be challenging to address.
Conclusion
Maine houses, especially those built some decades ago, may have so much character, but they can also be prone to problems. Common home inspection problems like foundation issues, outdated electrical systems, plumbing problems, and roof wear are common in many older properties. Knowing these problems will help you choose a better old home to buy.
Every buyer of an older home in Maine or owner who has some doubts about their house needs a professional home inspection. Most of these problems are easier to rectify at their inception, potentially saving you lots of cash.
When buying an older home in Maine for resale or purchase, don’t rush into a deal and risk everything. At Main Choice Inspections, we provide detailed home inspections to inform you of any issues the old house may have. Please call our office today to arrange an appointment for your inspection. Your home must be safe, sound, and fit for living. Let’s give it a new lease of life.