Home built in 1900

[Guka Kagu]

There's this newly renovated town home. Everything looks great in pics. Is it safe to buy a home that's that old?

[Allan Smith]

Of course! Just do an inspection. And know that you will have above average upkeep and repairs. Facts. 

[Richard F.]

Aloha,

It's already stood longer than anything built in the last 40 years are likely to. A thorough inspection by someone familiar with the age and style of construction should absolutely be performed. Future headaches will largely depend on the type and quality of "improvements" made over the past 123 years. Unless it is very well preserved and relatively untouched, I would want to see a complete new electrical system and plumbing system, for safety and long term reliability. I have managed plenty of properties where the Owners insisted on a "fix it when it breaks" piecemeal repair strategy on outdated systems...which gets very expensive over time. The roof is critical, it could have MANY layers built up, which need to be removed and new roof installed properly. Foundation issues should be pretty visible, as will first floor joist system that can lead you to issues such as sloping or sagging floors.