As a Realtor in Spokane, WA, I love working with home buyers who are interested in purchasing century-old homes in neighborhoods surrounding downtown and in the South Hill. However, before you fall in love with a charming old house, there are a few things you should know:
1. Get a Home Inspection to Identify Most Common Issues
First and foremost, it’s crucial to have a thorough home inspection conducted by a qualified professional, especially for older homes. Home inspections can identify potential problems that might not be visible to the untrained eye, including outdated electrical or plumbing systems, foundation problems, and structural issues. Outdated systems and foundation issues tend to be some of the largest expenses Spokane homebuyers encounter when buying an old home. Additionally, inspectors can typically identify potential hazards, such as lead paint or asbestos, which were commonly used in homes built before the 1970s and 80s.
2. Expect Higher Costs When Renovating
Along those lines, you’ll want to keep in mind the risk for asbestos and lead-based paint if you’re planning to do any renovations. Older homes were often built with materials that are no longer considered safe, so it’s important to have these hazards professionally inspected and removed if necessary, which is often more expensive than your typical renovation costs. (Note: these materials are usually only a problem if they are disturbed, so don’t worry too much about them if you’re not planning any renovations.)
3. Check for Historical Designation
It’s also crucial to consider whether the home you’re interested in is a designated historic home. While historic homes can be beautiful and full of character, they also come with their own set of restrictions. These restrictions can limit what you can and can’t do when it comes to remodeling or making changes to the home. Therefore, it’s important to do your research and understand these restrictions before you buy the home.
4. Prepare for More Maintenance
In addition to these factors, you should also be prepared for more deferred maintenance when buying an older home. Deferred maintenance refers to repairs or maintenance tasks that have been put off, either intentionally or unintentionally, over a period of time. Since older homes have been around for a longer period of time, it’s likely that there will be more deferred maintenance to take care of than in a newer home, especially if the home hasn’t been updated in a while (or at all!).
5. Expect Unique Quirks
Lastly, older homes come with their own unique quirks and features. Some of these may be charming and add to the character of the home, while others may be more of a headache. It’s essential to embrace the unique quirks of the home and understand that they come with owning an older home.
In summary, if you’re considering buying a 100-year-old (plus) home in Spokane, WA, make sure to have a thorough inspection, check for lead paint and asbestos before renovating, check to see if the home is a designated historic home, and embrace the unique quirks of the home. With a little bit of extra care and attention, an older home can be a charming and beautiful place to call home. Thanks for reading!
