Some of the most concerning dangers of old houses are asbestos and lead paint. Asbestos was commonly used for insulation, wall patching, and other home construction until the 1970s, and lead paint was common in-home decorating until the federal government banned it in 1978.
Older homes are notorious for harboring numerous hazards like lead, asbestos, radon and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). Mold and mildew is often another problem when opening up walls during demolition, which allows dangerous pollutants to fill the air you and your family breath.
Common problems in older homes result from deferred maintenance, poorly executed repairs, and older building materials, and fixing them can be expensive. The issues found in an older house will depend on how well previous owners have maintained it, but you will find unpreventable age-related problems.
When it comes to toxic materials in older houses, there are three primary materials to be concerned with: lead, asbestos, and radon. Other toxic and unhealthy materials and conditions could be present in older houses, such as mold, or formaldehyde, but this blog will focus exclusively on lead, asbestos, and radon.
What to look for when buying an old house Australia?
Check the property
The structure of the building: look at its foundation, its plumbing, see if the wiring's done right, and check for potential dampness or cracks in the wall;
The condition of the roof – is it sinking, steel frame, wood frame;
What are the advantages of living in an old house?
Older homes are often built closer to the center of town, making it easy to walk to local shops, schools, and other amenities. And if you happen to find an old house outside the city's center, it could still have amenities within walking distance.
Property history: Older properties have a proven resale value since any exchange is between a willing buyer and a seller, and will likely meet the market. In addition, you'll also have access to the property history, previous sale prices etc.
In a modern home design, walls are few and far between and living areas easily blend into one another. The overall home design exudes a spacious and bright feeling and the use of large, floor to ceiling windows optimizes natural light in every home.
Stale or stuffy air and humidity are also good indicators your air isn't moving through your home. Broken or dirty HVAC systems don't function at their highest capacity and won't do your air quality any favors. Also, new carpet, furniture, and renovations can trigger coughing.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a mansion?
The larger the home, the more likely it is to provide entertainment options like private beach access and swimming pools that positively impact the quality of life of its residents. The downside of owning a large home is that it costs more to maintain, and upgrading or renovating could be a large expense.
What are the advantages of traditional construction?
Traditional construction is reliable and hard-wearing. These buildings can survive for many years in harsh environments with limited maintenance required. They can be constructed in a wide range of shapes and sizes.
Who is Australia's first home buyer? The ABS has a number of interesting statistics regarding the identities of Australia's first home buyers. The average age is between 31 and 33 and the majority are couples, with about half of these including children.
What are the signs of a stressful home environment?
Signs of a toxic household environment can include fear, guilt, and helplessness. Other signs, such as verbal or physical abuse, manipulative behavior, and extreme criticism, are also common in toxic households.
