Older homes can be charming, quaint, and full of maintenance problems. If you love the look of older homes and can’t wait to live in a structure with crown molding that is 100 years old and hand-carved banisters, make sure you are aware there could be other issues you need to deal with. Before you get your heart set on buying a property, check for the following possible problems.
1. Mold
Mold loves to feast on wet, dark surfaces – including in attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Homes that have leaks, even months ago, can harbor mold inside walls or under floors. If you spy a water spot on the wall or ceiling, there could be mold hiding dormant inside the wall until the water comes again to feed the spores. Make sure you have the building checked for signs of decay by a professional company.
2. Termites
Old wood can be much like a flashing neon sign to termites, inviting them to come feast. If you wonder if you have termites, get a termite inspection Key West. A certified pest specialist can look for indications of the tiny pests and make sure they aren’t damaging the property. If there are signs of habitation, steps can be taken to remove the insects immediately.
3. Foundation
Foundation issues can be difficult to spot. One way you can check for problems with a home’s foundation is to look for cracks above doors or windows, and spidering patterns in the paint in the room’s corners. If you notice that one side of the house is closer to the ground than the other side, it could be an indication the foundation is sinking.
Nothing can compare to the luxury of a well maintained 100-year old structure. Have a qualified inspector check for possible problems, and then you can move into your new home with confidence that all is well.