Before Buying a Historic Home, Look for These Kew Things

Prescott, Arizona, holds beautiful historical downtown! Around the area, you will find grand old homes with detailed architecture, stunning peaks, and peaceful porches. Did you know that the oldest house in Prescott dates to 1864? It is the Fort Misery log cabin at Sharlot Hall Museum. The Fort Misery log cabin was built in 1864 and moved to the property of the Sharlot Hall Museum in 1943.

Before buying a historic home, be aware of problems that arise with the age of the home. Historic homes are treasures to own if they have been well looked after by their owners over time; however, these houses also tend to age much more rapidly than newer builds because their construction materials (and underlying structures, too) are much older and not as well made. As a result, they may contain more problems than you’d expect just by looking at them.

Look Behind the Wall: Lead & Asbestos

A significant issue that arises when buying an older home is the presence of lead paint. A home built before 1978 has a high risk of containing lead paint. Make sure to get your house tested for lead levels.

Also, lookout for the presence of asbestos within the walls or insulation. In some cases, this won’t be an issue because it can be sealed behind layers of new drywall; however, if you are planning on pulling up existing flooring or doing extensive renovations, make sure to hire a professional inspector to take a look at what might be hiding beneath!

Renovation Restrictions

A truly historic home may be ineligible for particular renovations depending on preservation guidelines. Make sure to check out the preservation guidelines beforehand if you have plans for improvements.

Wiring and Plumbing

If the electrical system in the house hasn’t been upgraded, you might find yourself facing problems. Adding appliances or other significant power loads to the system can cause issues. Older plumbing found in historic homes can also change typical plumbing repairs into complicated projects.

Click here for 10 tips for “Inspecting Historic Houses Before You Buy,” from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. If you’re exploring historic homes, be sure to ask the current owners about all of these issues to see if they’ve dealt with them.

If you’d like to look at historic homes or think perhaps it’s time to consider something a bit newer, let me help you find just the right house!