When you're buying a house, it's important to inspect it thoroughly for any potential problems. But when you're looking at an old house, the potential problems are multiplied.

Inspect the foundation for cracks, signs of water damage, or other structural issues

When inspecting an old house, one of the most important things to look for is cracks in the foundation or signs of water damage. Signs of cracks or damage can be indicative of structural problems that may need to be addressed. If there are signs of damage you may want to consider looking at other houses without structural damage.

Make sure all electrical outlets are working properly

When buying a new house, it is important to make sure that all the electrical outlets are working properly. This is because if an outlet isn't working, you may not be able to plug-in appliances or other devices, which can be inconvenient. Additionally, it's important to check that all the wires are safe. Wires that are exposed can be dangerous and may cause an electrical fire. 

If you are worried about the safety of the wiring or electrical outlets there are third-party companies that can make sure everything is up to standard and safe for you. Companies like the CSA, CSA meaning Canadian Standards Association, have access to certain products and sensors so they can test for product safety and potential hazards.

Check the roof for missing shingles

When buying an old house, it is important to inspect the roof. Roofs are one of the most common areas for damage to houses. When inspecting a roof, look for missing shingles and/or loose nails. Missing shingles can be indicative of water damage or other structural problems with the roof. Loose nails may indicate that repairs were done poorly in the past and should be inspected more closely before purchasing a property with this type of issue.

Examine all doors and windows to make sure they close tightly

When buying an old house, it is important to examine all doors and windows to make sure they close tightly. Doors and windows are often the only way in or out of a home, so if these don’t work properly it can be incredibly dangerous for inhabitants. When examining a door or window, make sure that the lock turns smoothly without sticking or making noise. The door should also open easily by hand from both sides with no added force needed to push it open. Windows should be able to stay closed when shut unless you put pressure on them as well as open without difficulty.

Look at all floorboards for wear-and-tear or termite infestation

When buying an old house, it is important to inspect all the floorboards for wear-and-tear or termite infestation. Floorboards that are severely damaged or have signs of a termite infestation may need to be replaced, which can be costly. Additionally, if there is evidence of termites, it is likely that there are other areas of the house that are also affected and should be inspected.

Evaluate the plumbing fixtures

When buying an old house, it is important to inspect all the plumbing fixtures to make sure they are in good condition. One of the most common problems with plumbing fixtures is that they can leak or drip water from them. This is usually caused by a worn washer. If there are any leaks or drips from the plumbing fixtures, you may want to consider having them repaired before purchasing the property.

Check out the heating system to ensure it's not leaking oil

One of the most common problems with heating systems is that they can leak oil. When buying an old house, it's important to make sure there are no signs of leaking oil from the heating system. This is because leaked oil can be hazardous and cause a fire hazard in the home. Leaks or drips should be checked for around flooring areas, such as carpeted or fabric surfaces near furniture and appliances. If you see any sign of leakage coming from your furnace, heater, boiler, or other heat-producing devices you may want to consider looking at other homes without this type of issue before purchasing one that has leaks.

Buying an old house can be a great investment, but it is important to look for any safety or structural issues that may come up in the future. Some of these things include checking all electrical outlets and wiring, evaluating doors and windows to make sure they are closed properly, looking at floorboards for wear-and-tear or termite infestation, examining plumbing fixtures to ensure they're not leaking oil or dripping water from them; as well as inspecting heating systems for signs of leakage. 

Guest Contributor: Andrew Adams