There are so many reasons why people drawn to the greater Boston area to live and work: the food, the proximity to the water and other New England states, and of course the historic charm.

But the word “historic” isn’t as glamorous as it’s made out to be. In fact, although many of the homes in Boston and surrounding suburbs are noted as historic, they do come at a cost. The cost is underlying issues that all old homes will face at some point or another. Here are the top five issues to look out for in older homes.

1. Lead Paint or Pipes. This is a major concern for homeowners, and for good reason. Lead paint and pipes are known to be carcinogenic and can cause serious long-term health issues. It’s important to have the home inspected by a professional before getting too invested in it.
2. Infestation Problems. Carpenter ants, termites and mice are three of the major culprits of infestations. Although we guarantee every home will have a bug or two, there should be some cause for concern if there’s an infestation. You may need to replace all of the wood floors or paneling as well as the insulation.
3. Old Heating & Cooling Systems. Old heating and cooling systems is a major turnoff to potential buyers in an era where it’s all about energy efficiency and eco-friendly products. Older homes will tend to have older HVAC units that can be costly to replace. Also note that if the home you’re interested in doesn’t currently have central heating and cooling, it can be expensive to install a new system.
4. Drafty Windows. Homes can loose anywhere from 12-20% of their heat through inefficient windows. As you walk through an older home, don’t forget to carefully asses the window frames and ask about when the windows were installed last and whether or not there are storm windows and window screens along with the standard panel.
5. Structural or Foundation Problems. These issues are no joke and can be quite expensive to fix for homeowners. The greater Boston area, South Shore and North Shore is built up around marshy, low-lying areas. These areas are prone to flooding and are close to water sources, which means the soil is soft and sandy. Soft soil can eventually lead to shifting foundations. Structural damage to roofs, basements or siding is also a feature to look out for.

Although there are these issues to watch out for, it’s always a homeowner’s dream to find that New England or Cape Cod style home with old-school charm and updated hardward. If you’ve already found your dream home and are ready to move in, schedule a moving day with our moving company in Boston!