5 Common Problems in Old Homes

As many as 40% of the homes in the USA were built before the 1970s, which means there are a lot of old homes on the market. While they often offer many benefits including large square footage, character features, and more, they do come with some issues that need to be addressed before you buy or even sell an old house. Here are some common problems in old homes, from our cash for houses Dallas agency.

#1 – Termite or pest damage

Over time, pests like termites, beetles, and mice can cause considerable damage to a home, especially if it has wooden structures and drywall. This is more common in older homes because their foundations and structure can get compromised over the many decades. Signs of infestation or damage include pinpoint holes in the drywall, bubbling/peeling paint, sagging/buckling floors, and hollow-sounding floorboards and supports. These issues can go deep into the structure of a home, making a pre-purchase home inspection essential.

It may be simple cosmetic damage that is inexpensive to fix, but if it has damaged the foundations or structure of the home, it will be a much more costly project. You can expect to pay $3-15 per square foot for treatment, and additional repair costs.

#2 – Lead and asbestos

If the home was built in the 1970s or earlier, you should check for lead paint, which was a common – but toxic – product in this era. Some old homes even have plumbing systems with lead in them! Similarly, asbestos was widely used as insulation and fireproofing in old homes, although it is banned now due to the lung cancer and respiratory problems asbestos fibers cause.

Again, this can be picked up in a home inspection, and you will need good contractors to safely remove and dispose these dangerous items. Removing asbestos is usually not too expensive as professional removal costs $8 to $15 per square foot – although you will have to move out of the home during this time. Replacing your plumbing can be quite expensive, with a complete replacement of pipes costing upward of $5,000.

#3 – Plumbing problems

Old plumbing systems are one of the most common problems in old homes and can be quite an extensive and expensive project to fix. Brass and copper piping has a lifespan of about 50 years, steel piping just 20 – but modern PEX pipes last 40-50 years. If you have polybutylene pipes (usually found in homes that are 40-60 years old), then you need to have them checked too, as chemical cleaners like bleach can quickly corrode them.

During your home inspection, you should also check for root damage. Over the years, tree roots can invade pipes through small cracks, causing major blockages and even damaging pipes beyond repair. This is a common issue that usually causes sewerage blockages, difficulty flushing toilets, and poor wastewater damage, and can even cause sewerage flooding on your property. Depending on the damage and the length of pipe needing replacement, this can set you back up to $25,000.

#4 – Foundation problems

Foundation damage is another one of the most common problems in old homes. It can be as minor as small settlement cracks to damaged support footings. It’s normal to have foundation issues in an older house, whether it’s due to age, wet soil, pest infestations, or tree roots. Signs of foundation issues include doors that won’t close, windows that won’t open/close, uneven floors, interior and exterior wall cracks. Depending on what is causing the foundation problem and how extensive it is, it can be simple to repair. The average cost is about $4,500, but it can be much higher if you have extensive subsidence or moisture issues.

#5 – Roof deterioration

Different roof materials have different lifespans, and this lifespan is also impacted by how well previous owners have maintained the property. When well maintained, wood shakes and shingles last 15-20 years, metal/steel over 50 years, asphalt shingles 10-30 years, and tile over 50 years.

It’s a good idea to include a roof inspection before you buy to check for this, as it’s one of the most expensive, common problems in old homes. Even if your roof looks like it’s in good condition, you may have missing tiles/shingles, water leaks where waterproofing is deteriorating, cracked tiles, and other issues that can lead to leaks and property damage. You should also upgrade or replace the insulation, check the condition of the roof trusses, and repair or replace any damaged gutters.

Depending on the roofing material, replacing a roof can cost $5,000-10,000, with slate roofs costing as much as $24,000.

Want to sell your old property? Our Dallas cash for properties agency will buy your property as is!

When you want to sell your old property as is and without spending more money on repairs or paying real estate agent fees, there’s no one better than Shiny Key Properties! Our Dallas cash property buyers purchase properties in any condition, at any time of year, from well-kept family properties to teardowns. If you want to sell your property as is without having to look for a buyer, deal with a real estate agent and pay their commission, or even empty the property, then the best option is to sell directly to our cash for properties agency. We price your property according to the market, so you get a fair deal in record time, helping you get out of foreclosure quickly!

When you want to sell your property if it’s damaged, in foreclosure or because you simply want to sell, we will buy your property fast, putting a lump sum into your account in a matter of days. Here’s how our process works:

• You enter your information on our website. We’ll contact you directly to discuss an offer for your property (you can also get a free property evaluation from our website)
• You can accept or reject the FREE NO-OBLIGATION offer
• Cash will be deposited into your bank account – with no real estate agent fees or realtor fees
• We can handle all aspects of the process, including clearing out the property
• You can also call us directly on 469-858-0088

That’s all there is to it!

Our team is compassionate and highly motivated to offer you the best possible market-related price for your property, so you can sell your property fast. Not only does this cash go straight into your bank account as soon as the sale goes through, but you also pay no real estate agent fees or commission. It’s the best way to sell your property as is.