While older homes are often full of personality and style, they can also come with a myriad of problems. We’re not saying that you should avoid buying older homes, but you should be aware of the various potential issues that can be found in an aging structure. At DJL Builders Inc., our home remodeling contractors have renovated several older houses in the Plymouth area. Here are three of the six most common problems we’ve encountered when remodeling older homes.

1. Foundation Problems

It’s probably no surprise to you that many older houses have foundation issues. Foundations tend to settle over time. This can lead to cracks in walls, moisture in floorboards, and even standing water in basements. Honestly, foundation problems can affect the entire structure of a home. If you see any of these warning signs, then the home probably has some foundation issues:

• Crumbling in the wall of the foundation
• Cracks in the ceilings where they meet the walls
• Windows that are difficult to open
• Water spots in the basement

2. Plumbing Complications

Original plumbing in an older home can deteriorate over time, causing several issues such as leaky pipes, clogged floor drains, and blocked-up kitchen drains. As valves and washers age, they can leak, resulting in pungent odors. When viewing older homes, you may also want to make a note of any older galvanized pipes or polybutylene pipes. Galvanized pipes are responsible for weak water pressure and poor water quality. Polybutylene pipes are no longer used in building new homes as it’s been discovered they can lead to system-wide plumbing failure.

3. Heating & Cooling Issues

In the past, homes were built with radiators for heat and no ductwork for any type of air conditioning. Heating an older home would most likely be expensive due to the outdated heating system. If you wanted to cool the house down during the hot Michigan summers, you’d need to use window or ductless air conditioning units. It all comes down to a home that is less energy-efficient and more expensive to operate. 

Professional Home Renovations

DJL Builders has years of experience renovating and remodeling older homes in the Plymouth area. Request a consultation today by calling (734) 259-5355. We also provide bathroom remodeling, home additions, and custom home building.

Source: Landon, Dena. “Good Bones or Money Pit? How to Buy the Right Older Home for You.” Blog article. Homelight. Homelight, Inc., 10 Jan. 2020. Web. 28 Sep. 2022.