I'm considering an investment property that is over 50 years old. Should I assume the plumbing and eletricity need to be totally upgraded? Seller didn't mention any upgrades.
2007-06-01 09:18:17 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The loss of water pressure is a good indicator that the pipes have become somewhat blocked with mineral deposits. If you have a water softener, take steps to replace it or maintain it. If it has been present in the house for a long time, chances are the plumbing won't need thorough rehauling. If you are going to be putting in the new multi-head shower system, get this properly plumbed so that the water pressure is adequate to run it. (A multi-head shower should be plumbed so that all the feeder lines come off the main line at the same point to avoid loss of pressure in higher heads--sort of like a jewish menorah.)
A good indicator for the electrical is whether or not it has breaker switches, or the old fuses in the main panel. I would also think of replacing the ordinary electrical wire with multi-media wire, allowing you to put cable/internet/phone services in each room. (This could be a big selling point.)
2007-06-01 09:34:11 · answer #1 · answered by Susie Q 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Plumbing: the principal issue is leakage. A secondary question is calcium deposits in the pipes from hard water; if water flows as expected from the various tape, this is not a current problem.
Electrical: today's appliances require more power, especially in the kitchen. There should be at least two 20-amp services in the kitchen, plus separate services for dishwasher, garbage disposal, and other permanently installed appliances. Ground fault interrupters are now required by code in kitchen, bathrooms, garage, basement, and outdoors; if the wiring has safety ground conductors in place, installing these is not difficult. If the house is wired with 2-wire cable, or has fuses instead of circuit breakers, an upgrade should be considered; it will not be cheap.
2007-06-01 16:32:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
An easy way to tell is if blow your fuses frequently. As for the plumbing, since it's over 50 years old it would be a good idea to have it checked by a plumber just to be on the safe side. Some of the piping may be worn out.
2007-06-01 16:34:35 · answer #3 · answered by Belgariad 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your home inspector should be able to give you some advice. Or hire a plumber and an electrician to check it out. Make that a contingency on the sale.
Chances are you would need to upgrade the electrical panel (you may have a fuse box) and the circuits may need to be upgraded - lights are typically 15 amp and outlets 20 amp these days.
Plumbing may have lead solder, so get a water test.
2007-06-01 16:31:29 · answer #4 · answered by dsgrieve 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do them both. It's worth the $$. Investment as in rental = peace of mind and no costly repairs. Investment as in 'flip' = homebuyers love it for the same reason. You'll make your $$ back x3. Good luck.
2007-06-01 16:34:51 · answer #5 · answered by Scott R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋