The Things No One Tells You About Buying an Older Home in the Twin Cities Area

Our Minneapolis area home remodeling company specializes in replacement windows and exterior doors for older and historic homes, so we’re aware that sometimes there are issues and challenges that come along with buying these homes.  While you may be swayed by the exceptional craftsmanship and period architectural details, there are things you should know about ahead of time.  And while your real estate broker might play up the features of the home, you might not get the lowdown on some of the drawbacks.

Unfortunately, some home buyers find out about these issues after the closing. But we think it’s better to know ahead of time just what you’re getting into – or at least part of it.  Obviously each home has the potential for concealed problems that even the sellers weren’t aware of, but there are some problem spots that are common to almost all older homes.  Check these out before you buy.  Then you can at least make an informed decision and be aware that coming up with the selling price is just the beginning of your investment.

Common Problems That Might Arise with That Older Home

There are a number of issues that most older homes have.

• Asbestos is one of those potential problem areas.  Asbestos was commonly used in siding, roofing (including felt and sealants), flooring, and even insulating coating on pipes and furnaces.  Dropped ceiling tiles, textured ceilings, insulation, and even wallpaper contained asbestos at certain times. You should have any older home you’re considering buying tested or inspected for the presence of asbestos. Asbestos removal requires an EPA-certified professional.
• Insulation is most likely deficient, especially in attic spaces.
• Have the roof inspected so you at least have an idea whether it has any life left in it or if it will need replacement soon.
• Windows in older homes most often need attention. Unless they have been recently replaced, they are definitely not an energy-efficient option to go with. Most older homes have single-pane windows, which are notorious for wasting energy as well as creating drafty, uncomfortable rooms. You want to make sure that windows and doors are something you deal with first.  Period windows in good shape (such as quality wood windows) should be protected with appropriate storm windows, but if they aren’t all that great, consider replacing them. The same goes for entry doors.  Here at Window Outfitters, we believe that replacing the windows and doors of the home can be done but you might want to consider keeping the same older theme of the home and replacing them with something that matches the older-styled look.
• Lead paint is also another factor that many people do not think about when it comes to older homes. This is an easy one to test for – most big-box home improvement stores or hardware stores sell test kits.  If your home has lead paint, you’ll need to hire a lead-safe certified contractor to deal with it.  (You can find more information from the Minnesota Department of Health here.)
• Of course, lead pipes may also be present, so you’ll want to have a home inspector check for that.
• Other areas to investigate are the electrical wiring as well as the age and status of such things as the furnace and water heater.

If you own (or are about to own) an older home that you know will need some updating on exterior elements such as siding, entry doors, and windows, please give us a call.  We have worked on quite a few historic homes around the Twin Cities, including surrounding communities such as Faribault, and we can help.  (If you check out our project Photo Gallery, you’ll see just a few examples.)

 

Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.