Do you love the architecture and charm of old homes? While older homes are gorgeous, they aren’t without their issues. Some issues, such as sagging doors and uneven floors, can be quickly and affordably fixed. However, other things take a lot more time and money to address and might even make you second guess if you should buy the home. That’s why you never want to buy an older home without having these things inspected first.

1. Well

Older homes often get their water from a well that is on the property. When you buy the home, you likely have no idea how old the pump is or if the well still has enough water to sustain your family. To you have peace of mind regarding the well and its pump, you should consider hiring a certified well technician to come out and inspect the entire well system. They will also test the water and make sure that the mineral levels in the water are at a safe level.

2. Oil Tank

While most people have moved to a gas or electric furnace, many older homes relied on oil for their heat. People remove the oil and abandon the tank because it’s not always safe or cost-effective to remove it. The problem with this is that many homeowners try to do the abandonment themselves – even though it’s not legal to do so-, and they do it incorrectly.

If you don’t have oil tank testing Westchester County NY done, you could find that your oil tank has been leaking for years, contaminating the groundwater and polluting the soil. The cost to remedy the situation can be astronomical, and you’ll be on the hook for it.

3. Septic Tank

Another thing that older homes often have is septic tanks. If previous homeowners didn’t maintain the septic system, you could find that you have waste that starts backing up into your home. Additionally, you could have cracks in the tank that allow rainwater in, which could overwhelm the system. Having a technician come out and inspect the tank can help relieve any worries.