Raleigh North Carolina Archives

Buying an Old Home? 4 Common Tasks You May Face

When buying a home in or around Raleigh, North Carolina, some people look for the newest options on the market, while others are drawn to older homes with a more historic feel. Older homes are appealing for their unique architectural elements and their connection with history. However, these charming old houses can be expensive if you aren’t careful. Before making up your mind to buy an older home, we at PowerLift Foundation Repair want to make sure that you can handle these potential tasks:

Major exterior work

You may be lucky enough to fall in love with a historic home that has been recently renovated, but you’ll most likely find one in “as-is” condition. This will likely cut a chunk off of the asking price, but also usually means that the home will be in need of some serious updating before it’s habitable. It isn’t uncommon for older homes to need new siding, new window shutters, a new roof, and even major landscaping work. All of these jobs will cost a significant amount of money, so make sure to have a contractor inspect the home and give you an estimate. This will allow you to gauge whether the lower price that you will pay for such a house is worth the work it’ll take to fix it afterwards.

Major inside repair work

One of the tradeoffs of owning an older home is that you’ll probably have to do some major work to get the utilities running properly. Some homeowners end up having to pay a couple thousand dollars to have their homes re-wired for electricity because they existing setup was dangerous; others will have to install HVAC systems to make the homes more comfortable in North Carolina’s sweltering summers. There’s also the plumbing and possible replacement of certain outdated features like the oven, stove, and shower. Consider how many of the updates would need to be done immediately and how many could be completed slowly over time to better manage costs.

Checking for dangerous chemicals

Today’s builders wouldn’t dream of insulating a house with asbestos or painting rooms with lead paint, but the home builders of the past wouldn’t have given it a second thought. If you’re thinking of buying an older home, you should have it inspected for any potentially dangerous building materials (especially if you have children or elderly tenants). Remember, it’s possible to get these things removed if you end up loving the home, but it could cost extra money.

Significant foundation work

A home’s foundation is important for its overall stability and habitability, and it isn’t uncommon for some older homes to need major foundation repairs. Foundation repair in Raleigh, North Carolina is very important, and should only be done by professionals (this should not be a DIY project). Have a home surveyor check your potential new home for foundation problems before you agree to purchase it. If you are set on the home but it needs repair, PowerLift Foundation Repair offers a surprisingly affordable way to do so. Call or contact us today to ask about our foundation repair services!

3 Things Raleigh Home Buyers Need to Keep in Mind

If you’re looking for a home in the Raleigh, North Carolina area, you probably think that you have most of the major things figured out. You have a few good neighborhoods in mind, you’ve thought about how it will affect your commute to work, and you may have even talked to a few potential neighbors to learn about the area you’re going to be living in. You already know that you need to find a home that fits your budget, but there are some other things you can do during the moving process that can save you from a lot of headaches in the future. At PowerLift Foundation Repair, we’re here to help you plan! Here are some things we think you should keep in mind during the buying process:

Always get your potential property surveyed

You never know when putting in a new shed or expanding your driveway can cause a border dispute so, before moving, you need to know exactly how far your property extends. Have a survey performed so that you know what you’re buying, and you won’t accidently upset your new neighbors. A property survey could also help you get a better idea of how much your property taxes will cost. Your tax amount is partly based on how much property you have, and obtaining an accurate map of your holdings can be beneficial in case there are any problems.

Never buy a home without performing a foundation inspection first

You’ve probably heard a lot of stories about how a good home can only stand on a solid foundation. Homes and foundations are good metaphors to use when talking about stability, mainly because foundations are crucial for the permanence, value, and livability of your home. Never buy a home without having someone come out to inspect the foundation first. Foundation crack repair could be done relatively quickly, but if you don’t handle the problem, it could cause more issues down the road.

Remember that big homes require a lot of maintenance

Your dream home may have six bedrooms, a pool, and a sprawling lawn and garden, but when you dream about your big home you probably don’t think about the work required to maintain it. Too many people make the mistake of buying a home that’s too big for them to realistically care for, and their property ends up losing value because of neglect. Unless you can afford to pay people to care for your home, only buy something that you can manage yourself.

There are a lot of things to think about when purchasing a house in Raleigh, North Carolina. For foundation work, specifically, contact us here at PowerLift Foundation Repair! We have the means and the expertise to help you create the home of your dreams.