Help me understand the extent of rehab required

[Randy Dulac]

I am looking at a 2 family that is close to me and is in a good area.   I want to BRRRR this property.  It needs a lot of work.  The home has been vacant for 10 years, and has no heat.  The was built around 1900.  Structurally it is solid and the exterior needs minimal work.  Here are a few questions that I have regarding the rehab

1 Windows look original, should I assume that I need to replace all of them due to the risk of lead paint?

2 Should I assume the home needs all new plumbing and none of the original plumbing is salvageable?

3 The electric panels are fuse boxes, and I don't see much wiring that looks new even though there appears to be some grounded outlets upstairs.  Should I assume all wiring needs to be replaced?

4 Since I have to get into the walls to do plumbing, electrical, heating, should I assume that the house has to be gutted to studs?

I am in the construction industry, but I don't have a lot of experience dealing with older homes.  I appreciate any insight you can share.  TIA

[Michael Ablan]

@Randy Dulac  -   Responding in order

1 Windows look original, should I assume that I need to replace all of them due to the risk of lead paint?

Lead paint wouldn't be my concern (just have them sign a disclosure).   The single pane window is why we replace them.  There's a crazy amount of heat loss on these older windows.

2 Should I assume the home needs all new plumbing and none of the original plumbing is salvageable?  

 Why?   If it's old lead water lines, then yes, I'd replace to pex.   

If it's cast iron drains then I'd check for leaks.  If it's in great condition then just scope it to make sure there's no tree roots underground and just leave it.

3 The electric panels are fuse boxes, and I don't see much wiring that looks new even though there appears to be some grounded outlets upstairs. Should I assume all wiring needs to be replaced?

Definitely replace the fuse boxes.   I don't think I'd replace all the wiring though.   I'd just ground out all the circuits with arc faults or GFCI's at the start of the circuit

4 Since I have to get into the walls to do plumbing, electrical, heating, should I assume that the house has to be gutted to studs?

You'd be forced to bring the house up to new construction code if you did this.  This could completely blow this deal out of the water.  Tread carefully.