While many of the older generations prefer new builds, a growing number of millennial home buyers are opting to buy older houses.
In addition to the craftsmanship and attention to detail that older houses boast, younger generations who are more eco-conscious take greater pride in restoring old buildings.
Fortunately, there is no shortage of older houses in Northeast Pennsylvania. From the Queen Victorians of Green Ridge to the craftsman-style, American Four Squares, and colonial houses sprinkled throughout the Valley, home buyers have their pick of the litter when it comes to finding a vintage home in NEPA.
The condition of older homes in our area varies based on how well previous homeowners took care of the property, as well as environmental conditions.
Older homes tend to boast an established foundation and mature landscaping, but may suffer from aged siding, outdated electrical work, or corroded plumbing.
Getting a proper home inspection can ensure that any investment you make into an older home is safe and free from surprise repairs.
If you are considering buying an older home in Northeast Pennsylvania, here are a few factors you will need to consider.
The Benefits of Buying an Older House in NEPA
The perception surrounding older houses varies from buyer to buyer, with some viewing an older house as more of a project than a treasure. While every house will run into its fair share of issues over the course of its life, there are many positives that an older house may boast over a newer one.
- Character and Craftsmanship: Older homes often feature architectural details that are difficult or expensive to replicate today. Built-in cabinetry, solid wood doors, crown molding, ornate fireplaces, and hand-carved staircases are just a few of the features you can find in an older home built before the 1970s in NEPA. These historic touches add charm and uniqueness that can increase their value with time.
- Established Neighborhoods: Older homes are typically located in long-established neighborhoods with mature trees, walkable streets, and a strong sense of community. These often fall in desirable neighborhoods like Waverly, Mountain Top, and West Pittston.
- Larger Lots and Yard Space: Depending on the plot, many older homes sit on larger parcels of land than are available in a new community. The landscaping is often well-established and many include other unique additions, such as a pool area, barn, or outdoor gazebo.
- Lower Purchase Price: Because they often require updates, older homes tend to be priced lower than newer, move-in-ready properties. Buyers willing to put in the work have an opportunity to build equity and customize the home to their liking over time.
- Thicker Walls and Solid Construction: Many older homes were built with high-quality materials like plaster walls, hardwood framing, and stone foundations. These contribute to better soundproofing, structural stability, and a long-lasting building envelope—qualities that may sometimes run into issues in newer homes.
Common Issues to Look For in Older Houses
On the flip side, older homes can come with their fair share of challenges, especially if they were poorly maintained. Some of the most common issues associated with older homes in the area we’ve run into include:
1. Foundation and Structural Issues
One problem with older home designs is that they often suffer from poor drainage, which allows water to build up around the foundation and exert pressure on it. Additionally, established tree roots can slowly make their way under the foundation or any retaining walls and affect their stability over time.
Studying cracks in the foundation is key to identifying any underlying issues and acting to prevent them from spreading.
2. Old Electrical Systems
Homes built before the 1960s often possess outdated electrical systems that may not meet today’s safety standards. Some of the most common issues include:
- Knob-and-tube wiring
- Fuse boxes instead of circuit breakers
- Ungrounded outlets
- Overloaded circuits due to modern appliances
In addition to not meeting local code requirements, they can present fire hazards and other issues for your home. Since these issues aren’t always visible to the naked eye, it reinforces the importance of getting a proper home inspection.
3. Plumbing Problems
Plumbing problems can be one of the most expensive and destructive in any house. Natural corrosion will eat away at lead, copper, or cast iron pipes, which can leach harmful chemicals into your water and eventually burst and flood your walls.
It’s always recommended to test the water pressure in any home you want to purchase and inspect the pipes and water color. Advanced green pipes could indicate oxidation, which will most likely result in a leak at some point. Of course, newer materials, such as PVC piping, are just as susceptible to leaks, so a proper plumbing inspection is often recommended for older homes.
4. Roof Age and Condition
The northeast’s harsh winters and wet springs can impact roofing materials. Depending on the roof’s age, it’s not uncommon to start noticing small leaks after prolonged rain and other signs of damage, including popping nails and lifted shingles.
Assessing the roof’s condition may be difficult from the ground level, which is why Mountain to Valley Home Inspections uses a drone to perform inspections of the roof using a high-definition camera that can spot issues clearly.
5. Insulation and Energy Efficiency
Many older homes in NEPA were built before modern energy standards existed, and may contain little or no insulation in walls, attics, or crawl spaces. A lack of insulation can contribute to higher energy bills, higher noise levels outside, and even more allergens inside your home.
Some red flags we look for regarding insulation include drafty rooms, ice dams, or cold floors above crawl spaces. We also feel around windows and doors for drafts and will inspect any insulation present to ensure it’s not too settled or moldy.
6. Moisture and Mold Issues
Indoor air quality is one of the most overlooked features of a home in most inspections. However, prolonged exposure to mold, lead, and other toxins can lead to allergy-like symptoms and cognitive decline.
Our indoor air quality tests can help identify common toxins like mold and identify their source so that you can negotiate with a seller to get it remediated before the final transaction is made.
7. Lead Paint and Asbestos
If a home was built before 1978, there’s a good chance it contains some form of lead-based paint. When it finally comes time to strip this paint or remodel the house, you could release massive dust clouds of lead paint into your home that anyone nearby can breathe in.
Similarly, asbestos may be found in old insulation, vinyl flooring, ceiling tiles, or pipe wrap that could harm your lungs if disturbed.
8. Pest Damage and Infestations
While just about every home is subject to pest infestations, older homes with wood frames may be more susceptible to termites and carpenter ants if the wood has been damaged by water in the past.
We should note that most older homes are built with a superior timber that is denser and actually more resistant to termites. However, that old-growth timber can easily invite termites and other wood-destroying organisms without proper care or poor drainage.
Our wood-destroying organism inspections check for signs of termites and carpenter ants to see whether a past or present infestation exists or has damaged the home significantly.
9. Outdated HVAC Systems
Finally, buying an older home in NEPA may mean dealing with less efficient HVAC systems or no central air at all.
Most furnaces and air conditioning units have a 15–25 years lifespan, meaning that you could be on the hook for a $10,000 repair or replacement unit when the old one inevitably kicks the can.
While most home buyers aren’t HVAC experts, you can get a pretty good idea of how well a unit was maintained by checking the filter and inspecting the ductwork and outside unit for any signs of damage.
Is Buying an Older House a Smart Investment?
Though building standards have grown over the 20th century, many homes built over a century ago can theoretically last hundreds of years with the right care and maintenance. With a combination of superior building materials and already settled foundations, a well-maintained Victorian or farmhouse could last for generations.
Additionally, older homes benefit from better pricing and, if in rough condition, can be fixed and flipped for a greater profit.
That said, if you are buying an older home, you need a proper home inspection. Not only are older homes susceptible to problems associated with age, but many parts of the house may be outdated and not up to code. It pays to get a proper home inspection for the safety of your health and your financial investment.
FAQs
Are older homes in NEPA safe to live in?
Yes, older homes can be perfectly safe if properly maintained or renovated. A thorough home inspection is crucial to identify any safety concerns like outdated wiring, lead paint, or structural issues before you buy.
Can I get insurance on an older home?
Yes, but it might be more expensive or require specific updates (e.g., upgrading electrical systems or replacing the roof). Some insurers may also decline coverage for homes with knob-and-tube wiring or other outdated materials.