With period dramas all the rage on TV these days, the appeal of vintage houses has gone through the roof (pardon the pun). But while these beautiful, original homes are highly sought after, they are sometimes not without issue.
If you’re considering purchasing an older home, here are a some of the things you need to look out for:
Out of date electrical systems
It might not be viewed as a problem, but the fact is many older homes feature electrical systems that simply aren’t up to the job of coping with the power requirements of modern families. Households now have more devices and appliances than ever. As a result, you may notice some issues.
Dimming lights, circuit breakers tripping and obviously fraying wires are all signs that your home’s electrics need some TLC from a professional electrician.
Insulation issues
We all know how important insulation is for keeping the warmth in your property, reducing your heating bills and helping to save the environment. Unfortunately, though, older homes are often lacking when it comes to insulation – in fact, some have none at all!
By simply adding some roof insulation, you can significantly improve your property’s thermal performance. If you go the extra mile and add some blow-in wall insulation, you can further reduce the heat loss from your old home.
Drafty windows & doors
Older homes often come with windows that aren’t double glazed. Couple this with little or no insulation and you’ve got a home that’s not energy efficient at all.
Consider swapping those old windows for modern, double glazed ones and eliminate any drafts you may have previously had.
The same goes for your doors. While older doors might look beautiful, their energy efficiency is often questionable, which is why a modern equivalent could save you money in the long run.
[Related reading: 8 Benefits of Double Glazing]
Look out for leaks
Whether it’s a leaky roof, dripping taps or suspect pipes, leaks are not just a pain, they can also cost you money in lost water and expensive home repairs further down the line.
[Related reading: How to save water in your bathroom]
Start with roof and get a specialist in to see what the best course of action is. Thatched properties, for example, look stunning, but can cost a small fortune to maintain. Making the right decision now can make a positive difference in the future to both your home and your wallet.
