Buying an Older Home? Check for These 5 Things First

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review

The character, charm, and unique personality of older homes are undeniable—and just a few of the reasons why many home buyers can’t imagine moving into a new build. Older homes are also often constructed in prime locations with lower price tags than modern high rises. Purchasing an older home can be a great investment, especially for first-time homebuyers—if you know what potential problems to look out for before signing on the dotted line.

During the buying process, make sure you watch out for these five potential problem areas in older homes.

Make your home safer with one easy step.
From wild weather to fire hazards, our newsletter provides tips for protecting everything (and everyone) you love. Sign up now!

By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Light Bulb
Are you moving?

Check out International Van Lines. It's one of the best professional moving companies in the country, with transparent pricing, discounts, comprehensive service options, and helpful customer service.


1. Old or substandard electrical and plumbing

Rewiring and updating plumbing are both expensive and extensive projects, which is why many older homes still have their original knob-and-tube wiring and cast-iron pipes. Both pose safety risks, as an old electrical system can cause a fire, and corroded pipes can result in leaks and weak water flow.

Purchase tip

Evaluate the age of the wiring and pipes and ask when they were last updated. If the home still has the original systems, get a quote to see how much they would cost to replace. If the sellers have updated the electrical and plumbing, make sure the new wiring and pipes are up to code to ensure they’re running safely, efficiently, and legally.

2. Radon

Radon is a carcinogen created by the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, water, and rock. When this happens in nature, it dissipates and poses no threat. But if radon gets trapped within a home, it becomes dangerous for humans. Many pre-1970s homes weren’t built with this in mind, so they can be more susceptible to radon buildup.

Purchase tip

It’s important to conduct a radon test before purchasing an older home. Luckily, radon tests are simple and inexpensive. Use an Accu-Star certified radon test to verify the level of radon in the home. If it has high radon levels, there are several EPA-approved methods to reduce it.


Compare top home safety products

Product
Best for
Price
Specifications
Standout feature
Learn more
Read review
Best smoke and CO detectorBattery-powered and wired optionsSpeaks to you
Best fire extinguisherABC fires
9.5 lbs.
14-sec. discharge
Firefighter recommended
Best emergency kitSustains 2 people for 3 daysSleeping bags

Hand-crank radio

Best radon detectorBattery-powered

Digital display

Results in 24 hours
Best gas leak detector18-inch probeDetects 18 gases
Best water leak sensor-30°F to 150°FConnects to Wi-Fi
Best portable generator1,800 wattsRuns for up 8.1 hours
Best fire escape ladderHolds up to 1,000 lbsDeploys quickly

Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
Google and Google Nest Secure are trademarks of Google LLC.

3. Hazardous materials

Older homes are more likely to contain hazardous materials, including lead and asbestos. Lead was commonly used in exterior and interior paint up until 1978 and within plumbing systems built before the mid-1980s. This lead can leak into the environment and the water system, causing significant health issues. Asbestos was also used in gas fireplaces, insulation, roofing, and wallboard patching compounds up until the 1970s, when officials became aware of the health risks.

Purchase tip

If you’re considering a home built before 1978, you should be aware that the home likely contains these hazardous materials. Before purchasing, you may want to investigate lead paint removal services and costs for eliminating popcorn ceilings and other materials that potentially contain asbestos.

4. Foundation or structural concerns

Over time, even the most solidly built homes can form cracks and unevenness in the foundation slab. This can cause corrosion, dry rot, moisture damage, and other risks. When inspecting an older home, check for doors and windows that jam easily, visible wall cracks, cracked tile, and uneven floors, as these are common signs of foundation problems.

Purchase tip

Foundation repairs can escalate to over $10,000, depending on the extent of the structural issues—and homeowners insurance won’t cover these costs. If a home has foundation concerns but you still want to move forward with the purchase, consider negotiating the repair costs into the purchase price, or account for the extra repair costs in your budget.

5. Dysfunctional smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

In many states, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are required on every level of a home. But even if a home features both, they may be outdated or not working properly. As smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors usually aren’t a priority when house hunting, it’s easy to forget to make sure they are present and test to see if they are working properly.

Purchase tip

Check the alarms and detectors throughout the home and consider upgrading to a newer and smarter option that connects with your phone via an app so you can monitor the security of your home from any location. Place a carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home, and a smoke alarm in every room for optimal safety.

Home inspection tips

Don’t agree to buy a home—especially an older one—until you’ve completed a professional home inspection, a standard contingency within a selling agreement. This contingency should allow you to get out of the contract or negotiate repairs should there be a significant or dangerous issue discovered in the home. Beyond a standard home inspection, you may consider other specialized inspections, such as a termite inspector or roof evaluation.

If the inspector reveals significant concerns or necessary repairs, you may renegotiate the purchase price, request the seller make the repairs, or dissolve the contract. Remember, a home inspection is designed to protect you and ensure you understand any potential safety risks of a home before you buy.

Have you purchased an older home? What are your tips for first-time home buyers? Comment with your tips or share this post with anyone you know on the market for a new (old) home.

Katherine Torres
Written by
Katherine Torres
Katherine has had several years of experience developing and executing multichannel marketing campaigns, but actually started her career path in journalism. Though she switched gears, she continues to be driven by the need to deliver information that can be helpful for individuals. As an owner of two rescue dogs, she is most interested in technology and products that allow her to keep a close eye on her pets when she’s away.

Recent Articles

woman adjusting thermostat in bright home
The Best Home Security Systems of 2024
After thousands of hours of tests and research, we picked Vivint and SimpliSafe as the...
Man and woman couple wife husband set up surveillance security camera
Best Apartment Security Systems
These renter-friendly apartment security systems help keep you safe and require less commitment than your...
diy-security-system-on-ipad
Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2024
SimpliSafe is the best DIY home security system because it's cost-efficient, effective, and easy to...
happy older women sitting together
Best Medical Alert Necklaces
If you find yourself in an emergency, a medical alert necklace can contact trained professionals...