Buying An Older Home: Repairs To Budget For
Mature neighbourhoods have character and big trees. Here's what to watch for under the surface.
Red Deer's mature neighbourhoods and the older parts of our small towns have big lots and loads of charm. They can also hide some pricey surprises.
Wiring: very old homes may still have knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring. Some insurers won't cover it, and updating can be a real expense.
Plumbing: polybutylene (Poly-B) water lines were common in homes built from the late 1970s through the mid-1990s and are known for leaks. Old cast iron or clay sewer lines can also need replacing, so a sewer camera scope is worth it.
Asbestos may show up in older insulation, flooring or ceiling textures. If you're planning renos, get it tested first.
Also look at the roof, the furnace and hot water tank age, windows, and the foundation and grading. A good home inspection and a few quotes before you firm up keep you from guessing.
Inspired by Buying an Old House? Here's What Unexpected Repairs Might Cost You on REALTOR.ca's Living Room blog. Further reading there.
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