What to check on older properties.

[Kal Wol]

Hello awesome BPs,

I have started the journey very recently and I am actively looking for deals and in the meantime educating myself along the way - reading the forum topics, listening to the podcast and everything in between.

I am in the process of going with the multiunit prop in Frederick MD and the building is 125+ years old. I have gone to the site and it looks good and they have done a renovation on it as well. But looking at the age of the building, I am not sure what kind of things I should be aware. I am going to have the inspection on it if I am going to proceed on it.

I just wanted to see what things to consider in general when dealing with older buildings.

[Jack Seiden]

Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:

In no particular order: 

Structure - Obvious usually, but check the sub-floor and the attic

Foundation - This could be a huge deal so I would get a specialist to look at it for you.

Electrical - Has the main panel been upgraded? Is there a grounding system and are all outlets grounded?

Plumbing - What type of piping and when was it upgraded? Has sewer been replaced in the past 40 years (meaning to ABS)

Most of the other stuff will be a of less importance and be more easily visible....

 I’d 2nd this, I’d add does it have central air/is the layout up to modern standards? Basically you are trying to determine if you are buying a 120 year old house or if you are buying a modern house with an 120 year old shell?