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All houses have stories to tell, and
heritage homes speak volumes. It takes
a certain insight to see into the past.
It is written in the structure, carved
in the beams and displayed in the
architecture of the home.
There are no degrees in heritage home
inspections. While there are some
brief courses available actual hands
on experience is invaluable.
Understanding the different methods
of assembly is critical in conducting
an inspection on a heritage
residence.
Inspection of older wiring, heating
and plumbing can only be understood
if the inspector has years of hands
on experience. Renovations and
upgrades can sometimes present a
particular challenge, as they are
often not done professionally. While
many issues are usually obvious and
have been reflected in the price of
the home, understanding the
dimensions of the issue is
important.
Repair costs of a heritage home are
usually higher than a more modern
home. As an experienced heritage
inspector who "packs" a
wealth of knowledge he can usually
prioritize the issues and explain
them to you.
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Maintenance problems:
Walk around the house and
examine it - you are looking
for peeling paint, foundation
cracks and any other damage
that should be dealt with now
to avoid more serious
problems in the future.
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Minor structural
problems Typical in old
homes, it can cover
everything from cracked
plaster to small movements in
the foundation. While they
are not likely to cause the
house to fall down, they
should be corrected before
they become more serious.
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Drainage and grading
problems:Probably the
most common problem found.
Installation of new roof
gutters and down spouts to
digging up the weeping tiles
or simply re-grading the
surrounding lawn to re-direct
the surface water away from
the house can reduce water
invasion.
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Insufficient electrical
system: Common in older
homes - undersized services,
aluminum wiring, and
knob-and-tube wiring or
inadequate/poorly-renovated
distribution systems. These
may be unsafe as well as an
insurance issue.
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Poorly installed
plumbing: It is also very
common to find creative
plumbing in older homes.
Galvanized and cast lines can
become an insurance issue.
Repairs can range from a
simple to expensive
replacements.
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Older/leaking roof:
Metal shingles are common and
are known to have a very long
life span compared to asphalt
shingles. On average an
asphalt-shingled roof lasts
15 to 20 years. Multiple
layers should be established
as this reduces life
span.
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Older heating/cooling
system: Some older
heating/cooling systems are
inefficient. While
replacement may seem
expensive, the newer more
efficient systems do reduce
heating and cooling costs
substantially and with the
prices of fuel today, you
would recoup the cost in a
very short time.
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Poor ventilation:
Excessive moisture from
un-vented bathrooms and
cooking areas can damage
plaster, deteriorate windows
and cause allergic reactions.
These conditions need to be
corrected before the
deterioration becomes
excessive.
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For years, Cam has
been writing a weekly column for the
Kingston Whig Standard. Throughout
this time he has addressed a number
of issues pertaining to heritage
homes.
See the heritage section in "Ask
The Inspector" to read some
of the articles written in the past
few years.
A heritage home inspection often takes
longer to complete. You should plan on
attending and allow up to 4 hours of
your time. Bring along your notebook
and camera.
Time is taken with the client so they
understand the dynamics of the
building, the options available and
the best method to arrive at the
necessary repairs and maintenance
that are always found in a heritage
home. Special attention to the
wiring, heating and plumbing is
necessary for you to meet the
ever-changing insurance requirements.
Understanding insulation, ventilation
and roof coverings of yesteryear,
take a particular expertise. Heritage
buildings are truly individual when
it comes to the life span of a roof
covering. Metal roof coverings can be
deceiving, the "tin
shingles" can have widely varied
life expectancies and a knowledgeable
heritage inspector will evaluate the
condition and maintenance
required.
The skills of our forefathers were as
varied as the designs of the homes.
As a former professional heritage
renovator, Cam brings personal
insight into the individuality that
every heritage home represents.
"We appreciate the very
thorough informative inspection you
did on the property, and I would
have no hesitation in recommending
you." - Susan O.
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