"They don’t build them like they used to". You have heard this statement before and maybe this is not a bad thing. Here are some things to consider if you are purchasing a home that is 50 years or older. Especially if the home is virtually original condition.

The home probably has a block foundation opposed to poured concrete. Block foundations are strong, but can become bowed-in from hydrostatic pressure. The tar on the outside can break down over the years causing the blocks to fill with water. The clay drain tiles around the foundation can also break down over time. Evidence of bowing or water may lead to costly waterproofing repairs over time.

The foundation and the exterior walls probably are not well insulated, allowing heat loss. The windows, if original, are probably single pane wood or metal and are inefficient by today’s standards. The attic probably had little or no insulation or ventilation, which could lead to potential mold problems along with heat loss. Wood framing members over time can begin to sag causing uneven floors and wall cracks.

The plumbing system is likely galvanized pipe, that can build up with rust and cause low pressure over time. Copper is a common material today. Cast iron drains may fill up with tree roots and debris and cause drainage back ups. All drain piping today is P.V.C. Old plumbing fixtures may require updating along the way as well.

The electrical system may consist of knob and tube wiring, which is outdated. Most of the wiring is not grounded, and there were no such things as G.F.I.s. The original fuse box was probably a 60 amp main panel and the whole house may be on 4 circuits!

The heating system may have been a gravity furnace with the ducts wrapped with asbestos insulation or a boiler in which the pipes were wrapped with asbestos. The original systems had efficiency ratings of app. 40%-50% opposed to today’s standards of 80%-95%.

The interior walls and ceilings may be plaster. Over time gravity takes its toll, and the plaster can pull away from the wooden lathe causing cracking and sags. These too may require future attention. Closet space is also minimal. [Did these people not own any clothes???]

At one point or another, all of these things have to be considered and potentially updated. Typically older homes have had some of the work already completed.

Other old home tid-bits that people may ask about: The small metal box on the side of the home near the back entry door is the milk chute, the metal door on the foundation is the coal chute, and the metal box next to the furnace is the incinerator. Last but not least if there is a structure in the basement the size of Fermi it is a gravity furnace!

When I perform inspections for new home buyers, I inspect all of the areas mentioned above. I'll give you a written analysis of inspected areas and provide recomendations regarding any item requiring attention. An educated home buyer, is a happy home buyer.

Dave Jones
www.accu-spec-inspections.com
248-393-1250

The Wheel of Lunch

Well, I think I've seen it all... The link below is a wheel you can spin to help you decide what's on the menu today for lunch. We've all had difficulty deciding where to go, and this little tool takes the decision making right out of the process. It even gives you handy info regarding the location of the winning recipient of your lunch time presence.

Just type your zip code in and spin away.

Have fun and happy dining.

http://www.coverpop.com/wheeloflunch/