If you begin shopping for a house and decide to buy one that is over 20 years old, the house might need some repairs. Buying a house that needs repairs is not a bad decision to make; however, it's important to know what these are before you buy the house. Here are three common repairs you may need to make if you buy an older house.
Roof repairs
Older homes may or may not have some roof issues that need to be addressed, and this will depend on whether the homeowner replaced the roof, at some point, or not. If the roof was replaced at some point, it is probably in good condition. On the other hand, if the house is 20 years old and has never had a roof replacement, there is a good chance you will need to do this within the next 5 to 10 years.
Replacing a roof is a costly event, which is why you should find out if the roof will need work in the near future before you buy the house.
HVAC system repairs
Additionally, when you buy an older house, it might have an old HVAC system. The average furnace will last between 15 to 20 years. If the house you are buying is 20 years old and has never had a new furnace put in, you should probably plan on doing this if you buy the house. Not only will an old furnace have a higher risk of breaking, it probably also does not work in a way that is efficient. Old furnaces cost more to operate because they are much less efficient than the new types you can purchase today.
Plumbing system repairs
The plumbing systems in older homes can also be an area of a home that need work, yet this is a system that is slightly harder to examine because it is hidden. Old plumbing pipes might leak more than new ones, and they might also contain a lot of built-up minerals and debris, and this could affect the water pressure in the house. Before you buy the house, you might want to have a plumber inspect the system so you can find out if it has any issues.
When you find the house you want to buy, make sure you examine these three things thoroughly so that you know if the house will need repairs. If so, factor the repairs into the offer price you make on the purchase agreement. If you have questions about buying a home, contact a real estate agent.
Share21 November 2017
I have never been one of those people who loves to shop, which is probably one of the reasons I had such a difficult time choosing a house. I wanted to find the perfect little place for my family to grow up, but that was easier said than done. I knew that I wanted to work with a professional who could really grasp my vision and put me in a place that I would love, so I started focusing on finding the right professional. After a brief search, I was able to find a team of real estate brokers that I knew would do a great job. This blog is all about choosing the best real estate agent for your personality.
