Older homes tend to offer residents a sturdier construction and aesthetically pleasing facades that you would be hard pressed to find in today’s construction. But behind its exterior charm, an old house can hide a range of problems that can make many people regret their purchase. Stay with us as we look at 5 problems that come up when buying an old house.

1. Little or no insulation

Most of the so-called ancestral houses had little or no insulation. In fact, it is not uncommon to find newspaper, wood or even cloth as insulation materials. These materials have little insulating value and are prone to leaks. When buying an older home, budget for insulation and waterproofing work. Energy-efficient renovation grant programs are available.

2. Outdated electrical wiring

Mid-century homes required more basic electrical systems than our modern homes. Going back even further, homes were built without electrical systems. So it’s common to find old knobs n’ tubes wiring, ungrounded outlets, or wires insulated with crumbling paper. At the time, these materials were considered durable. But homes age like everything else, and what was once acceptable is now a fire hazard.

3. Cast iron plumbing

Many older homes were built with cast iron drains and pipes. At the time of construction, these materials were considered indestructible. It may therefore be necessary to have a qualified plumber check the plumbing system with a camera to identify possible damage that cannot be seen by a home inspector when purchasing a home.

4. Asbestos

Asbestos was used as a fire retardant in the early and mid 1900’s. It was used in tiles, framing and other materials. It was used in ceiling and floor tiles, pipe and cable insulation, and roofing (e.g., vermiculite). Unfortunately, asbestos is a friable material, which means that it is easily reduced to dust. When this happens, microscopic asbestos fibers can be inhaled and eventually cause cancer.

Although it is not harmful when left intact, it is a good idea to have materials tested by a laboratory. Asbestos linings, ceiling materials or tiles in good condition can be left in place. But if you want to drill or tear out materials where asbestos is suspected, then there is a health risk and special precautions must be taken.

5. Foundation

Older foundations are sometimes made of stone and rubble and may have cracks, deterioration, leaning in one direction or sinking into the ground. Foundation problems are a major concern for first-time buyers, especially since the only way to ensure the safety of the house is to replace or repair the foundation, which can be very costly.