One of the most important considerations when buying a house is the age. That’s especially true if you’re in the market for an older home. In general, the older the property, the worse shape it’s in, which is why you want to schedule a reliable home inspection in Escondido, CA, to take a closer look at the place before purchasing it.
The foundation, plumbing, and electrical grid are some of the systems your contractor will examine to help you make an informed decision. Let’s delve deeper into these key areas and guide you through the whole inspection process.
What do home inspectors look for in older homes?
Whether you’re purchasing a property for the first time or expanding your investment portfolio with a second or third house, booking a property inspection will give you the edge during the negotiations. That’s because inspectors leave no stone unturned when investigating aging houses, meaning they can uncover even the tiniest of flaws.
Here’s exactly what they look for:
1. Mold
Aging houses are notorious for mold infestations since they often feature poor insulation and weatherstripping. That’s why most inspectors put mold checks on top of their list of priorities, especially if the home is in a humid area. Besides being unhealthy, mold can also be a structural hazard.
2. Plumbing
Old homes typically have outdated plumbing, which is either corroded or punctured and allows all sorts of impurities to contaminate the water. Inspectors generally use cameras to examine the lines and see if they’re in good condition.
3. Foundation and roof
If a home has a neglected basement or crawl space foundation, many unpleasant surprises could be lurking. A detailed inspection can uncover things like termite colonies eating away at wooden elements and destabilizing the place in the process.
Beyond termites, an old foundation can be home to tree roots penetrating deeper and deeper inside the house. If that’s the case, extensive water damage is inevitable. The roof is just as important as the foundation. By taking a close look at an old property, an inspector can discover rotting, cracked shingles, chimney damage, and other signs the roof may need replacing.
4. Wiring
In addition to standard wiring problems (loose and/or backstabbed wires), old houses are plagued by outdated electrical systems that are incompatible with modern appliances. For this reason, examining the electrical grid of a home is a must.
5. Lead and asbestos
Many older properties were constructed before the discovery of some toxic materials, including lead and asbestos. So, your contractor should verify that the insulation, walls, and other areas aren’t contaminated by these elements.
What would be considered a structural red flag?
When investigating an old property, an inspector can discover several structural red flags that are usually too expensive to fix:
- Sagging roof
- Large foundation cracks
- Uneven floors
- Gaps between floors, walls, windows, and doors
- Damp subflooring or drywall
Ready to book the top-rated home inspection in Escondido, CA?
Gone are the days when you had to examine a house yourself and risk missing a major structural flaw. The Inspectors Company is here to help you make the right choice by doing the work for you.
Give us a call, and we’ll investigate the property that’s piqued your interest from top to bottom, be it an old home or a modern one with smart technology. Thanks to years of experience and the finest detection methods in the industry, we’ll examine the place and tell you if it’s the right fit. Whether a house near San Diego Safari Park or any other part of Escondido has caught your eye, our inspection services will be the ace up your sleeve. Book today!
