Older homes offer affordable options for families looking to move to Florida or change apartments within the state. Before closing or renting, a good inspection will help you ensure you get the best and safest home for your family.
Older homes in Florida have peculiar hidden dangers you must identify to choose a safe home. This article explores eight hidden dangers to help you find the best home for your family.
Roof Damage
Older Floridian homes have endured heavy rains, intense sun, and strong winds over the years. These elements take a significant toll on the roofs. Some roofs may not reflect their depreciation at face value, so inspect them closely for leaks, missing shingles, and damages requiring urgent and expensive maintenance.
Termite Damage
The warm, humid Florida climate is perfect for termite reproduction and activities. Many older homes harbor these pests on the wooden parts of the house. Their activities over time can cause significant structural damage to a house. Check for visible swarms, hollow woods, and other signs of their activities.
Accumulated Mold and Mildew
Florida experiences high humidity, causing moisture buildup, especially in long uninhabited houses and those with poor HVAC systems. High moisture levels encourage mold and mildew accumulation, which produces an unpleasant smell. Their presence threatens the home’s structural integrity and your family’s health.
Outdated Electrical Systems
Some older homes have outdated electrical systems that can’t handle today’s family energy needs. They may have outdated wiring patterns or poor grounding, causing a fire hazard. If you don’t have an electrical background, hire a professional to inspect the system to verify it can handle your energy needs and meets modern safety standards.
Asbestos in the House
Many old Floridan homes were built before asbestos-containing materials like slidings and ceilings were banned. These pose a serious health hazard as continuous exposure to the elements releases harmful toxins in the house. This exposure deprives you of healthy air living and causes respiratory diseases like Mesothelioma.
It’s best to avoid homes built with these materials unless you’re willing to renovate. If you have already bought or rented a home with this hazard, you may already be in danger of Mesothelioma. Contact a Florida Mesothelioma lawyer to learn how to salvage your situation.
Poor Functioning HVAC Systems
You can’t live in Florida without an HVAC system. The state’s climate compels homeowners to run air conditioning all day. This continuous usage reduces the useful life of most HVAC systems.
Before accepting a home, get a professional to check the existing HVAC system’s age, condition, depreciation, and efficiency. This proactive step will save you maintenance expenses soon after moving into a new home.
Foundation Issues
Inspect a home for signs of foundation issues such as uneven flooring and wall cracks. Some parts of Florida, especially central Florida, are popular for their karst landscape that encourages unstable grounds, shifting soils, and sinkholes. Employ professional inspection with thermal imaging to verify foundation integrity for your new family home.
Plumbing Problems
Older homes may have outdated plumbing systems with galvanized steel, prone to corrosion and leaks. Inspect the house plumbing to know what you’re dealing with. Negligence may cause water damage, incurring losses and avoidable expenses.
Endnote
Older homes provide an affordable housing option for families in Florida. However, besides cost, you must consider your family’s comfort and safety when choosing a house. During an inspection, check for roof, termite, plumbing, and HVAC system damages. Also, check for asbestos, mold, and mildew exposure to keep your family safe in your new home.
