How to check structural integrity of an older house from 1979?

Question

I'm buying a 79 stick built house in the seattle area. The home inspector can tell me whether there are signs of wood-eating pests, flood problems, but he can't open the walls to find out the quality and condition of wooden structures inside.

What is the best way to check the building quality and structural integrity of older house? What's the typical lifespan/problems for wooden houses of that age?

Thanks a lot!

Answer 1

check for horizontal cracks in the foundation
check if floor is leveled, use a level or a small ball, check doors if they work properly or if you see cracks in the upper corner due to shifting.
built in 1979 is not considered old.
some sellers paint the property before selling it in order to disguise certain problems

Answer 2

The best thing to do is to get a builder to take a look at it for you .. that won't cost much for the peace of mind it brings.

A lot can be detected by crawling in the roof space (if there is one) when you know what you are looking at.

BTW if built in 1979 it is generally likely to be structurally sound if it is still standing there with no visual signs of any structural failure... upi needn't go exploring by ripping open the wall linings unless there are visual signs of a failure.... that's why you should get yourself aomeone who knows what they are looking at.

The timber framing should last 100's of years if adequately protected from pests and weathering. People usually replace them before because of commodity reasons.. not structural integrity.... unless of course, the framing is exposed to weathering or pests.

Answer 3

there should not be anything wrong other than paint and color schemes. but just in case check around the openings of rooms. cracks in drywall windows sills dry-rot, window opening and closing, hard firm floor .sometimes hard to tell over carpet. bathroom floors around toilet is a common weakness. check for cracks in the foundation walls outside. i would rather have a 1979 house that a 2006 house, based off of quality of materials. we just don't get good wood anymore these days. been building houses for 25 years,and it makes it hard to keep your own craftsmanship perfect when the materials fail.

Answer 4

I don't know about Washington, but in California a termite inspection and treatment is required before a home can be sold. That would be my biggest concern for concealed damage. Barring untreated termite damage, a wood frame house should last beyond your lifetime.

Answer 5

i have bought and sold several homes and the easiest and cheapest thing to do is just check the roof line, if its still strait w/ no dips or sags you are probably o.k., cause all the defects eventually reach the roof, however a home inspection to the timid is worth the peace of mind, if not the paper its printed on. they usually disclaim any responsibility