Building Inspections for Historic Homes

For some buyers, only the sleekest and most modern homes will do. For others, the charm and character of an older home is far more attractive. When you're considering home ownership and fall into the latter camp, there are plenty of reasons why it's imperative to secure building inspections for historic homes. Whether you're considering the purchase of a fully restored beauty or a home that's seen better days, you'll want to make sure you have a thorough report regarding structural integrity and overall condition of the property.

Why Are Building Inspections for Historic Homes Important?
On one hand, a beautiful but aging home can inspire a sense of confidence in buyers. After all, an antique structure has obviously been strong enough to withstand years of exposure to the elements. Still, even a home that seems to be in relatively good repair may actually be hiding a host of defects and suffering the effects of neglect. Even if you're buying with the express intention of restoring and renovating, there are many reasons why you shouldn't buy before scheduling building inspections for historic homes.

The foundation of an older home has been bearing the entire load of the home since it was first constructed, and foundation repairs can be among the most expensive. Signs of foundation failure may not be immediately visible to the untrained eye, which means you could end up being forced to sink your entire renovation budget into simply ensuring the foundation is structurally sound. Aging and outdated wiring can be another particularly problematic issue which is easily missed during a casual walk-through, but easily detected during building inspections for historic homes.

Outdated plumbing systems can also be the source of unexpectedly high repair or renovation bills, as can interior structural faults. Working with a professional who's familiar with the intricacies of building inspections for historic homes can help you obtain a more accurate view of the overall soundness of the property, and pinpoint areas of significant disrepair you may otherwise have overlooked.

Choosing a Building Inspector
The best and most qualified professionals to handle building inspections for historic homes are those with extensive experience within the building trade. It's also important that your building inspector have a clear and in-depth understanding of the Australian Standards in order to ensure even an aging beauty meets modern requirements. Choose one who understands the important issues to look for during building inspections of historic homes, especially if you're working within a limited budget for renovations. While building inspection reports don't include estimates or price quotes, a thorough one will allow you to examine the big picture in terms of impending repairs and problematic areas. When you're able to more accurately determine the scope of potential renovations, you can make a sound investment in the historic home of your dreams.