An older home comes with a charm when you learn its story. Whether you look into its origins or the owners who’ve had it in the past, it’s fun talking about something that means a lot to you. While it’s nice living in such a house, you need to keep in mind a few maintenance checklist items. These are some things to consider when living in an older home.
Test for Radon
Radon is a gas with a high risk of increasing your chances of lung cancer. It isn’t easy to detect and is usually abundant in older basements that haven’t undergone testing. If you can’t find any evidence of past tests in your basement, you should set up a new one before spending extended periods inside it.
Check Your Insulation
Older homes sometimes have toxic materials like asbestos in their attics. It’s worth it to know if it’s a risk to have vermiculite in your attic and how dangerous it is to your daily living. The last thing you want is to disturb the attic and release toxic airborne materials into your home. To ensure the safety of those living in the home, you should have professionals check things out and guarantee that things are safe.
Inspect Your Plumbing and Foundation
The inner parts of a house are equally as important as the more noticeable ones, such as fixtures and lighting. If the pipes of your older home haven’t had replacements, repairs, or maintenance, there’s a chance they’ve experienced damage through the years. Additionally, checking the basement walls for cracks or signs of a lack of foundational integrity is good to take note of to ensure things are safe.
It’s lots of fun having a home that has lived for a long time. However, while it may be beautiful, it also needs careful inspection. These things to consider when living in an older home can help you keep it in a healthy and safe condition.
