What You Need to Know When Buying an Older Property in Minnetonka

4 min read

While there’s nothing wrong with wanting a home built with modern styles, some people appreciate the charm, character, and elegance of older homes. When you compare new construction vs. old homes, modern architecture leans toward minimalist style and neutral colors, while older properties tend to have an ornate and stately feel to them, both outside and inside the home.

However, buying an old home in Minnetonka may come with the setback of having older features that might not fit with modern safety standards. That’s why buyers interested in buying old homes need to do the extra research on what to inspect in old homes, as some issues may end up being more trouble than they’re worth.

You May Need to Update Everything

One of the first questions you should ask the seller or their agent is whether the home has updated its systems to fit today’s basic needs and safety requirements for a livable home. Electrical systems built decades ago may no longer fit the standards and capacities most modern homes have, while effective smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors weren’t a thing in older homes.

A good tip is to have a certified inspector check out features like plumbing, wiring, and other utilities. They can let you know if the systems are sufficient or if you’ll have to gut these systems and pay to replace them before you can move in.

Check the Plumbing for Lead

Given that the median age of houses in Minnesota is 43 years, this means that almost half of all houses in the state were built before 1979. However, it wasn’t until 1986 that the state-regulated the use of lead in things like paint or in plumbing materials. It wasn’t until 2014 that these laws were made stricter for health codes. It’s such an issue that, as of 2021, older homes may still have some lead in them.

Although houses made decades ago may not be what you consider an old house, it’s important to know when older houses were made. You can opt to have the property’s water tested before buying an old home. Some options to address the water’s lead problem include:

• Water treatment options to remove traces of lead.
• Letting your water run for a few minutes before using it for drinking or cooking.
• Using cold water to reduce the amount of lead released from the plumbing system.
• Have your plumbing system replaced, especially if the property was built before 1986.

Worn Roofing May Signify Bigger Problems

A common issue with buying old homes in Minnetonka is that their roofing could have worn down because of regular wear and tear and neglect to maintain the property. While it can be repaired, a roof filled with holes and cracks could suggest underlying issues that could be plaguing the property.

If your roof is in poor condition, it means that, during inclement weather, the roof is susceptible to leaks and could have affected the rest of the property. Have a professional check the property for signs of water damage.

Know How to Spot Signs of Water Damage

Signs of water damage are usually a red flag for severe property damage hiding under the surface. Some signs you can spot include:

• Microbial growth on the walls, ceiling, and furniture
• Cracked foundation
• Water stains on the walls and ceilings
• Sagging ceilings
• Warped drywall and floors

Restore Your Old Home into Livable Properties with Restoration 1 of Minnetonka

If you’ve purchased an old home that’s in need of extensive property damage restoration, you may be able to turn it into a livable home for yourself and your family with the right professionals. When you partner with Restoration 1, you’re working with a team of certified technicians that can thoroughly address the damage and ensure your property is safe and structurally sound.

Get in touch with us today to learn more about our property restoration services.