Most of the housing stock in the UK is older. It’s not like in the US, where a house that’s a hundred years old is something impressive. Although new homes are built, many people think there are far fewer than there really need to be, and the standard often isn’t great. So if you’re buying or renting a property in the UK, it’s more likely to be an older home than one that was built in the last couple of decades. This can mean you benefit from a lot of period charm and unique features, which a lot of people love. But there are also some common problems that you can run up against.

Issues with moisture

Water getting into your home can pose a big problem, and older homes have a particular problem with this. They often have a lack of insulation, which can contribute to problems with damp. Deteriorating roofs or old windows and doors can also pose problems with moisture. When moving into an older home, getting in touch with a local damp specialist may be one of the first things that you want to do. Damp problems can cause structural issues and lead to mould and other problems.

Insulation and energy

A lack of insulation can cause a range of issues in an older home. It might lead to damp problems, and it also makes the property less energy-efficient. You could find yourself dealing with high energy bills if you move into an old home that’s lacking in insulation. Fortunately, you can make your home better insulated to improve its energy efficiency and protect the structure of your property too. There are various insulation materials that can be used to insulate walls, floors, and your roof. New windows can help to provide more insulation for your home too.

Faulty wiring

Some of the issues in an old home can be dangerous. One of the things to watch out for is old or faulty wiring. Not only can older wiring cause issues, making it hard to run all of your modern appliances and electronics, but it could lead to disaster too. Bad wiring could increase the risk of a fire in your home. If your home hasn’t been rewired in the last 25 years, it’s likely that at least part of it may need to be rewired. An assessment of your electrics can help to protect you and ensure your wiring is efficient.

Asbestos

Older homes may have some materials that are no longer regarded as safe. One of these is asbestos. We now know the health effects that exposure to asbestos can have, but many properties still have asbestos in some places, including in insulation, floor tiles, and more. If asbestos is present, it doesn’t necessarily have to be removed. However, if the material is deteriorating or has been damaged in any way, the asbestos could pose a health problem.

These common problems in older homes can cause an issue. However, modernising an older property can make it much more comfortable and raise its value.

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