Top Repairs You Should Expect to Make When Buying an Old Home
Toronto has a huge supply of Victorian era houses and if you’re anything like us, then you love the feeling of their character and charm. Whether you find one that has been extensively renovated or a fixer upper, a house that's around 100 years old will likely need a bit of attention within the first few years of ownership. We know it's tempting to start with fun cosmetic upgrades but what's the point of a beautiful house if it's cold or leaky!?
THE ROOF
The best way to approach maintenance or repairs is to start from the outside in, so, let's start with the roof. The average lifespan of a shingled roof is approximately 20 years but doing a visual inspection at any age is a good idea. When inspecting it you should be looking for loose or missing shingles and sagging or bent eaves. An old roof can easily be replaced and a new one can have a huge impact on reducing your heat loss and keeping the elements out.
TREE MAINTENANCE
In many old neighborhoods the trees have had plenty of time to mature and grow, often in some pretty tight spaces. Tree maintenance is an important cost to consider. Before buying take note on how any trees surrounding the house look. Do they look to be unkept or are there dead branches. Also, consider if a tree is on your property line or on your neighbors and how it will interfere with each property. Falling trees, their limbs and even tree roots can cause major damage to property. You can hire an arborist to help advise and maintain your trees along the way. Tree care can add up but the negative effects could cost you more.
WINDOWS
In century homes it is possible to find original windows or windows from a mid-century update. Older windows don't always have to be replaced but newer ones will likely help decrease your energy bill. Here is what to look out for:
Feeling of a draft, even with the windows closed
Difficulty opening and closing windows
Condensation or frost between glass layers
If you decide you want to replace the windows make sure you take into account the look and size of the window. Victorian homes were often designed to have uniquely sized windows that include aesthetic details that you don't want to lose. In this case, you may be looking at something more custom which is a cost to consider.
ELECTRICAL
Many types of wiring have been used through the years and they don't necessarily pose a problem. However, knob and tube is the most commonly feared. It was used from the turn of the century until approximately the 1950’s. At the time it was a great system and can still be functional. Over time it’s been found to have worn down to the point that it can be a fire hazard. The other important aspect of your home’s electrical system that you may need to consider updating, is the amp capacity. Older homes were mostly built with a lower amperage than what is now required for our modern power needs. If the home has a 60 amp system you will likely need to upgrade it to 100 amps or higher depending on your plans for usage.
PLUMBING
Do not leave your showing without testing all the faucets and flushing all the toilets! Look for weirdly low or high water pressure, slow drainage or weird sounds (taping). Also, check under sinks for any evidence of past leaks. Hearing or seeing anything suspicious doesn't necessarily mean the plumbing is a huge problem but it may alert you to be prepared for some upgrades down the road.
Everyone wants a beautiful home, but it's important to make sure everything is safe & efficient behind those walls. Doing your research and prioritizing the “not so fun” projects first is crucial and can have an impact on the overall energy efficiency of your home. Making sure you are prepared and know what to expect before you buy can save you a major headache once you move in and start noticing what needs to be done. We make sure that our buyers are informed and prepared so there are no surprises and they can confidently start rehabilitating their new property back to its full glory.
