Older properties come dripping with charm, but also tend to hide a large number of problems that come up the second you start peeking under the hood, so to speak. This is because time wears everything down, older “solutions” (like asbestos) are now known not to be safe, and because you’re contending with generations’ worth of fixes.
The good news is that everything can be fixed, and with this guide, you’ll know where you should prioritize your budget:
The Roof
One area you will want to check in any property that isn’t brand new is the roof. Standard asphalt roofs tend to have a lifespan between 15 and 30 years, so your home doesn’t need to be that old before it’s time to contact a reputable and licensed roofing contractor to replace it.
You can tell if the roof needs to be replaced if:
- The homeowner last replaced it over 20 to 30 years ago
- The shingles are curling, cracking, or missing.
- There are granules in the gutters.
- Your roof is starting to sag.
- There are signs of damp or water stains inside.
You can also replace an old asphalt roof with a more durable material, such as metal, which lasts 40 to 70 years.
Tip: Consider adding solar panels to your new roof. This will help you significantly offset your energy costs during price fluctuations.
Hazardous Materials
If your home is particularly old, as in, built before the late 1970s, you will need to send off the insulation, water samples, and even the paint for testing. This is because the insulation could contain asbestos, and your plumbing or paint could contain lead.
If your home contains these elements, you’ll need to bring in a specialist team to safely remove them, as they are highly hazardous to your health during renovations.
Electricals and Plumbing
Always bring in an electrician and a plumber to test and check your home’s essential systems. Older wiring, botched DIY, and even wear and tear could mean you need to replace your electrical system.
Plumbers can also be critical, as they can check for any rusting or leaks in your plumbing system that could be causing structural damage or mold as we speak. As a bonus, you can install new low-flow toilets, sinks, and even showers while you’re at it to save on your water costs.
Insulation
Updating and adding insulation to your older home can help you heat and cool your home better, for less. Have an insulation contractor evaluate your home. Depending on its age, you may have empty wall cavities, an uninsulated attic, or even drafty floors you can insulate with modern materials.
HVAC
With record-breaking heat waves, stormier weather, and climate change disasters impacting all areas of the globe, it’s more important than ever to not only be able to effectively control the climate inside your home but also do so for less.
The best way to do this is to upgrade an older HVAC system with a newer, high-efficiency option, a heat pump, or a mini-split unit.
