Vintage homes, known for their beauty and old world charm, are a la mode once again, and increasing numbers of people are looking to update these showpieces with modern conveniences. Vintage homes in Winter Park and surrounding Central Florida are particularly beautiful finds, but there are some things to think about before you sign on the dotted line. Homes with great bones are wonderful,but keep in mind that they may require more upkeep than a more recently built structure.
Here are some things to look out for if you are on the hunt for a unique vintage home:
- Heat and ventilation issues: Vintage homes often have poor insulation, making them difficult to heat. This is an easy fix, but a buyer should be on the lookout for this, especially if looking at the home during the warmer months.
- Mold and water damage: If you see water damage, make sure what caused it has been repaired. Keep an eye out for mold as well, which can crop up after water damage. In the best-case scenario, mold can be professionally cleaned and won’t recur. However, many mold species are highly toxic.
- Lead paint: A surprising number of older homes’ interiors were painted using toxic lead paint. Be on the lookout for lead paint if the home was built before 1978. If the paint is in good condition, it shouldn’t pose an issue, but once it starts deteriorating, it can cause a health risk and will need to be removed.
While refurbishing a vintage home may be an exciting prospect, be aware of the hidden costs that might accompany repairing one of these beauties. Often, the repair work that needs to be done in these homes is obvious. Make sure to be aware of these issues that aren’t visible to the eye, so you can budget the restoration for these old world gems.
If you’d like to learn more or schedule a home inspection, please give EDC Professional Home Inspections a call at 407-417-2999.
