When it comes time to purchase a home, some homeowners love the charm of an older home, whereas others prefer more modern homes, according to US Money. Although there are benefits and disadvantages to both sides, there are sometimes bumps in the road along the way. No matter if the home is 5 years old, 30 years old or 75 years old, there are issues you may stumble upon.
There are many common problems with older homes that you'll want to be on the lookout if you are in the process of buying a home. The list includes lead paint, inefficient windows, outdated heating system, foundation/structural issues and lastly, termites and other bugs.
Termites, known for chewing through wood, flooring and even wallpaper, are certainly a problem for owners of older homes. According to the National Pest Management Association, termites cause approximately $5 billion in property damage every year.
Termites like munching on soft wood, so if your prospective home has had a lot of leaks over the years, you may want to hire a professional termite inspector, who is more likely to discover any problems than a conventional home inspector.
Of course, older homes can be ravaged by other insects, too. Termites along with mice, bed bugs, roaches and moths are the biggest pest threats to your home. Contact a local, license pest professional and ask what pests your neighborhood is most at risk for. Before the purchase of your home, having a wood destroying insect inspection and thorough pest inspection to identify pest and rodents issues before you sign on the bottom line.
Brenda Greene, a communications professional in Providence, Rhode Island, recently discovered a house she wanted to buy had a problem with powderpost beetles, which can literally reduce wood to a pile of powder. The house was built in 1842, and Greene and her husband had gone as far as getting a purchase and sales agreement. But then they found that the home had significant damage from the wood-boring insect. "Our mortgage couldn't go through unless the seller could prove it had been treated. She wouldn't do that," says Greene, who ultimately walked away.
The challenges of purchasing an older home depend on how well the specific home was maintained and updated by the previous owners. Animals or insects that call home, in your home are not only a nuisance but can cause damage to your home’s structure and even carry disease. Usually when pests invade your space, they are looking for food, water and shelter. Contact Thomas Pest Services, to take care of insects can bite, carry and spread disease, so it best to contact a professional exterminator - get started with a free home pest inspection.