Buying an Older Wisconsin Home: What Should You Look For

 

Buying an Older Wisconsin Home: What Should You Look For?

There's something about an older home that's hard to reproduce. Original woodwork. Mature trees. Interesting architecture. Established neighborhoods. Maybe a front porch that looks like it was designed specifically for drinking coffee on a Saturday morning.

Here in Wisconsin - and particularly around communities like Oconomowoc and the surrounding Lake Country area - buyers can find some wonderful older properties.

But character and history come with another reality: Older homes deserve a closer look. That doesn't mean you should avoid them. It simply means you should understand what you're buying.

1. Start With the Foundation

Everything begins underneath the house. Older foundations may show signs of settling or previous repairs, and not every crack means there's a serious problem. Buyers should pay attention to significant cracking, movement, bowing walls, moisture intrusion, evidence of repeated water problems and previous structural repairs. This is exactly why a qualified home inspector can be so valuable. If something raises concern, additional evaluation by the appropriate specialist may be warranted.

2. Understand the Electrical System

Homes weren't using electricity 75 or 100 years ago the way we use it today. Older electrical systems may have been modified several times over the life of the property. An inspection can help identify the visible condition and characteristics of the system and whether further evaluation by a qualified electrician makes sense.

3. Look at the Plumbing

Plumbing materials and installation practices have changed considerably over the decades. Depending on the home's age and renovation history, there may be a mixture of older and newer materials. Pay attention to visible leaks, water pressure, drain performance, signs of corrosion, water staining, previous repairs, age of the water heater, and supply and waste-line materials where visible. Remember - the plumbing you can see is only part of the system.

4. Ask About the Roof

The age of the house and the age of the roof are two completely different things. A 100-year-old home could have a two-year-old roof. Consider approximate age, visible condition, flashing, gutters, signs of past leakage, ventilation, and multiple roof sections or additions. A roof approaching the end of its useful life isn't necessarily a reason to walk away, but it is something you'll want to understand when planning future ownership costs.

5. Pay Attention to Insulation and Energy Efficiency

Many older homes were built long before today's insulation standards. Some have been extensively improved. Others haven't. Look at windows, doors, attic insulation where accessible, heating equipment and any documentation regarding energy-efficiency improvements. Wisconsin winters have a way of revealing weaknesses in a home's thermal envelope pretty quickly.

6. Water Management Matters

Look at grading, gutters, downspouts, basement moisture, sump pumps, drainage, low areas around the property, and evidence of previous water intrusion. A beautiful kitchen is great. A dry basement is pretty nice too.

7. Understand Well and Septic Systems When Applicable

Not every Lake Country property has municipal water and sewer. If a home has a private well or septic system, those systems become an important part of your due diligence. You'll want to understand their location, condition, maintenance history and any testing or inspection requirements that may apply to the transaction. Relying on the appropriate qualified professionals is particularly important.

8. Look Carefully at Past Renovations

Older homes evolve. Walls move. Additions get built. Basements get finished. Porches get enclosed. Bathrooms appear where bathrooms didn't originally exist. Sometimes the work is excellent. Sometimes somebody's uncle was apparently pretty handy on weekends. Ask questions about significant renovations and additions. Where appropriate, available permits, records, disclosures and professional inspections can help you better understand the work that has been done.

Don't Confuse 'Old' With 'Bad'

Age alone doesn't determine condition. Newer homes can have problems, while older homes may have been lovingly maintained for generations. What matters is how the property was built, maintained, repaired and improved over time. The goal isn't to find a house with absolutely no imperfections. It's to understand the property well enough to make a confident, informed decision.

The Inspection Matters

For most buyers, the home inspection is one of the best opportunities to learn about the property. Think of the inspection as more than a hunt for problems. It's also an education: where the main water shutoff is, how the heating system works, where the electrical panel is, how the sump pump operates, and what maintenance you should plan for. A good inspector can teach you quite a bit about the house you're considering making home.

Love the Character of Older Homes?

So do a lot of Lake Country buyers. The trick is knowing how to appreciate the charm without overlooking the practical details.

If you're considering buying an older home in Oconomowoc or anywhere around Lake Country, I'll help you evaluate the property, ask the right questions and bring in the appropriate professionals when needed.

Ask David

Q: Should I avoid buying a house just because it's 75 or 100 years old?

A: No. Age by itself isn't a reason to reject a property. Some older homes have been exceptionally well maintained and thoughtfully updated. I'd focus more on the home's current condition, major systems, maintenance history and the results of your inspections than the year printed on the listing.