Two questions:
1. What is the heating costs of a high efficiency boiler system?
2. What other problems, besides heating & electrical, are responsible for most issues in character homes?
Heating is biggest problem for old houses. High ceiling and not all heating systems can warm house.
We done few project with upgrade old houses. And we use "md-house the heating doctor" system. Its install in floors.
4000 sq ft, 120 years old house in Manitoba, hydro bill for last January 327$.
In response to the second question, I'd stress the inconsistency in construction as it relates to just about everything related to adequate ventilation from the attic, sufficient insulation in the ceilings, walls and attic, sufficient space for insulation and vapour barriers in walls, ceilings, attics everywhere you'd care to look.
Flooring will be inconsistent as well, in particular between different rooms (usually many and chopped up with a vraiety of heights and types installed and removed over 100 + years.
Asbestos in ceilings is possible, as well installed inside heating ducts and inside possibly walls. Asbestos is also a popular siding up to late 50's.
Lead is found in most painted surfaces is also a consideration to be on the look out for in period homes. The nice part about period homes is the size of the lumber i.e. 2x4's and other wood beams are real McCoy in size and very sturdy.
Good luck
Norm
Older homes weren't neccesarily built all that well, contrary to what some would say.
Poor foundations, worse framing, no or little insulation, high maintenance costs with rotting wood and mostly painted surfaces, etc.
They are generally a "money pit"
Buy with caution!
Andrew
Everything is an issue. We did a few 100 year homes and you can expect big $$$ to remodel. Double a regular reno...but man, nothing beats the character of these old homes and the value will go up as they get older. But if major foundation and wood rot run from it!!
Cheers!
I just sold our first reno project with a 100 year old house resto on 25 acres.
Don't let all the builders scare you - every house is different. Yes, a lot of old homes were built to old standards but that doesn't automatically mean subpar.
They don't like old houses because home depot lumber doesn't fit.
Let me ask you this; if the old house was so poorly built, how did it last 100 years?
Find someone who actually restores old homes not guys that just want to tear out and replace with modern construction tech.
We were able to install it quickly enough.
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