Part Two: Buying an Older or Historic Home

Older and historic homes like the homes in the Heights can be charming and full of character. As someone who specializes in a market filled with historic houses, I know the allure they can have, especially in vibrant up-and-coming neighborhoods. However, buying an older home involves some due diligence on the part of the buyer. Do you know what to keep an eye out for when buying an older or historic home? If not, this two-part blog post should help!

Old Foundation
An older foundation may be cracked, sunken, or otherwise in need of repair. Since the remainder of the home rests on the foundation, the foundation needs to be stable in order for the home to be livable. It’s also common for old homes to have issues with sill plates, which can present problems with water leakage and insects. When searching for homes, be sure to check for any irregularities in the foundation. Also be sure to check for creepy crawlies and critters!

Roof Condition
Replacing an old roof may not be so straightforward in a historic home. If the roof is badly damaged, there’s a chance you may need to replace structural components, like beams. You’ll also need to find a roofer familiar with historic homes, since modern roofing materials may not match the aesthetic of a historic home. In fact, you may be forced to find a similar roofing material due to historic housing restrictions! Keep reading to learn more.

Historic Restrictions
You might be in love with the historic beauty of an old house for now, but what happens if your situation changes? It’s unusual for additions to be allowed, which can put strains on a growing family. Windows, shutters, and roofs that need work may need to be replaced with like materials, limiting your ability to “change things up.” Since every area has different restrictions, it’s worth looking into what they are to determine how they fit in with your current and potential future needs. You might be surprised by what you find!

Utilities
It’s been chilly this winter! Since older homes may be drafty, always expect that your utility bill in an older home will be higher than it would be in a newer home. Often, you can ask about how much money the sellers have paid for their utilities so you can get a rough estimate of what you might pay. If the bills are much higher than you were expecting, that might be a red flag. If you’re ready and willing to perform some updates, though, you might be able to bring bills back down.

Are you interested in buying or selling a home? Contact us today at 713-364-5883 or info@angelfultzrealty.com.