Inspecting Century Homes is always an experience, some are worse than others
Most Century Homes have undergone many renovations of the life of the home. The quality of these renovations will often determine the current condition of the property and whether there are underlying problems that neet to be addressed. This is where choosing a Home Inspector with experience in Century Home Inspections is of paramount importance.
Century Home Inspection Surprises
In the Ontario real estate market there are bidding wars happening for buyers trying to purchase Century Homes. I have always maintained that buying a Century Home is a labour of love. You have to put aside thoughts of level walls and floors and trade them for the ambiance and nostalgia that comes from owning a Century Home.
I am frequently referred to clients who are purchasing a Century Home, mainly due to the amount of experience and the many articles I have written on inspecting Century Homes and the issues you can encounter. Read about Roof Inspection Services provided by the Wasaga Beach Home Inspector.
I would like to share with you just some of the common issues I find when inspecting these lovely examples of past architecture. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Century Home Inspections.
Asbestos
Whenever I see an old style wall grill like this in an older home, one thing comes to mind, ASBESTOS! Most of the time when I remove the cover of an old wall grill I find that the heat duct has been wrapped in ASBESTOS. Many
home inspectors will not take the time to remove the grill cover as the screw heads are usually filled with about 50 years worth of paint, but I always do to ensure the safety of my clients.
And as I often find the thin layer of insulation attached to heat duct is ASBESTOS. This is a common occurrence for me when inspecting homes, so I always remove the heat duct covers to check. I recently inspected a home which had a Pre-Inspected sign from a Local Home Inspector on the lawn. I was surprised to find Asbestos lining the heat ducts and even called the home inspector just to give him a “heads up” to what he had missed. He does not remove covers for heat ducts, so never would have found the asbestos.
Most residential removal of asbestos will fall under Class 2 Hazard. This type of removal operation must be performed by Trained Personnel and involves:
- Preparation of the work area; 2. Dust control; 3. Personal protective clothing and equipment; and 4. Clean-up of the work area and waste removal.
Galvanized Plumbing
Galvanized plumbing was popular back in the day. Galvanized plumbing has not been used since the late 1950’s and any existing galvanized plumbing is well past its life expectancy. Most insurance companies will not insure a
home with galvanized plumbing. When performing a Century Home Inspection you have to be very observant to spot any galvanized plumbing. Many times all visible galvanized has been replaced but the plumbing supply between floors remains galvanized. Everyone knows that their home will be inspected and many times will try and cover up any deficiencies that may be difficult or expensive to repair.
Knob & Tube Wiring
Knob & Tube wiring is easily recognized by it porcelain insulators and tubes. Most homes built prior to early fifties had this type of electrical wiring installed. Over the years some older homes have had newer romex cables installed but the knob and tube wiring still exists. Most insurance companies will not insure a home with any knob and tube wiring installed. Most Century Homes will have all the accessible K&T wires removed but it can still be found in service shafts and in attics.
Building Permits
In Ontario any structural modification requires a building permit be taken out and the work must have prior approval and be inspected when completed. The basements of Century Homes is where most modifications are done, and unfortunately a lot are done without the required approvals. This temporary jack has been improperly installed to support main beam of house. This was done using wrong type of support and without necessary permits.
WETT Certified Inspections
Most Century Homes have wood burning fireplaces or have been updated to fireplace insert or wood stove. Most insurance companies will require that your wood burning appliance be inspected by a Certified WETT Inspector prior to insuring your home. Roger Frost has been inspecting wood burning appliances for over 20 years. Call 705-795-8255 Report issued at time of inspection.
Electrical Modifications
Many Wasaga Beach home owners try and save money by doing their own electrical work or using someone who has just enough knowledge to be dangerous. The pony panel on the left has service connections going through main panel and cables are compressed by service panel divider plate. This are the type of electrical deficiencies you encounter when buying a renovated home that did not have an electrical inspection.
Another expensive repair is replacing aluminum wiring. ( many insurance companies will not insure a home with any aluminum wiring ) Inspecting for aluminum wiring always involves removed electrical panel covers and also opening up close by junction boxes where aluminum wiring may have been joined to copper wire to prevent detection.
Improper installation of electrical panels and wiring is a sure sign that renovations were completed without the benefit or required building permit.
When work in a home is completed without a building permit then no one has inspected installed systems that maybe in walls, under floors or otherwise hidden from view. Many times I have seen basements framed using metal studs and the electrical wiring was installed in walls without using required gromets and standoffs. If by chance a Building Inspector or Electrical Inspector ever entered you home and noticed this, then you would have to open up all your walls and install wiring according to code requirements.
Home Inspection
Many of the items identified could cost many thousands of dollars to repair. Buyers who have a professional home inspection will have the knowledge to either have seller repair problems or adjust the price accordingly. The cost of a home inspection is around $499.00 for a Century Home, which when compared to potential costs which will be incurred if any of these issues are present, is quite a smart investment.
We provide FREE Themal Imaging inspections with an Infrared Camera with every Home Inspection. Thermal Imaging can help find missing insulation, hidden moisture or electrical hot spots.