Say what you want about old homes, but I think they're amazing.
In the wood framing that came from slow-growth trees harvested from ancient groves and built with 2×4’s that were actually 2 inches by 4 inches that I’m pretty sure get stronger with age.
In the stacking of the brick and stone foundations and the wavy windows that were carefully cut and flattened by groups of men who made things their family and friends would be happy to use.
I could go on and on.
It was a simpler time that felt like new discoveries were being made every day and the worst thing kids were doing in school was cutting in line. 😲
But they were built for a certain lifestyle during a more formal era and when major changes are made without first making sure they’re up for it, things can go wrong.
Like turning the attic into a living space.
When someone adds excessive weight to the tallest point in the home, the weight gets transferred to the exterior walls, which puts more downward force on the foundation than it was designed to endure.
And unless you know what to look for, you might chalk them up as normal old home issues and ignore the flags that tie them all together. 👎🏽
Especially if the home is vacant and recently remodeled.
But this checklist will help.
…ask about any work they did to shore up the extra weight.
Then ask for the structural engineering report they would have needed to ensure the work is done right the first time.
Remember, the decisions you make about your home aren’t always about you; sometimes they’re about your next buyers.
So if you have doubts or concerns or questions now, don’t ignore them or leave them unanswered because you might have to deal with them again when you sell.