Buying Old Houses - F-Body Road Racing and Autocross Forums

Mods- this is far off topic and if you feel this is inappropriate, feel free to remove this thread.

I am posting this here because I know that there are alot of intelligent, experienced people on this site beyond playing with f-bodies...

My wife and I signed paperwork for an offer on a house yesterday. The offer is contingent on us selling our house (open house is today!) and I don't know if this will work out. Even so I am thinking ahead.

The house was built in 1900 and is a frame construction. The siding, windows, electrical service, and plumbing was all replaced within the last 5 years. In that same timeframe, the extensive woodwork and stained glass was all restored to a high standard. The first time we visited the house, my wife's reaction was "I love this house but it is too nice for us, we'd ruin it". We have an 11-year-old and a very active 3-year-old. I understand her sentiment all too well.

(As an aside, the bonus here is that the house is about 15 miles from Beaver Run Motorsports Complex and has a 3-car detached garage that has an inside height tall enough for a lift. What a coincidence! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/rotf.gif) )

Anyway, I don't know diddley about houses and the offer we have is additionally contingent upon a clean home inspection by a professional home inspector.

Is anyone here knowledgeable about homes and specifically old ones? If so, do you have any advice for me? Is anyone aware of any websites that might specialize in houses like this?

I know that this house is my wife's dream house. I just don't want her waking up from one of those dreams where you show up for school in your pajamas. Hahaha.

KeithO View Member Profile	Oct 16 2005, 11:35 AM Post #1
Veteran Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 2,647 Joined: 23-December 03 From: Pittsburgh, PA Member No.: 14	Mods- this is far off topic and if you feel this is inappropriate, feel free to remove this thread. I am posting this here because I know that there are alot of intelligent, experienced people on this site beyond playing with f-bodies... My wife and I signed paperwork for an offer on a house yesterday. The offer is contingent on us selling our house (open house is today!) and I don't know if this will work out. Even so I am thinking ahead. The house was built in 1900 and is a frame construction. The siding, windows, electrical service, and plumbing was all replaced within the last 5 years. In that same timeframe, the extensive woodwork and stained glass was all restored to a high standard. The first time we visited the house, my wife's reaction was "I love this house but it is too nice for us, we'd ruin it". We have an 11-year-old and a very active 3-year-old. I understand her sentiment all too well. (As an aside, the bonus here is that the house is about 15 miles from Beaver Run Motorsports Complex and has a 3-car detached garage that has an inside height tall enough for a lift. What a coincidence! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/rotf.gif) ) Anyway, I don't know diddley about houses and the offer we have is additionally contingent upon a clean home inspection by a professional home inspector. Is anyone here knowledgeable about homes and specifically old ones? If so, do you have any advice for me? Is anyone aware of any websites that might specialize in houses like this? I know that this house is my wife's dream house. I just don't want her waking up from one of those dreams where you show up for school in your pajamas. Hahaha.

slowTA View Member Profile	Oct 16 2005, 02:27 PM Post #2
Experienced Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 2,290 Joined: 4-May 04 From: Kenvil, NJ Member No.: 331	Screw the house, make sure the garage is sound. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/rotf.gif) Seriously though unless the foundation is crumbling, the electrical is a time bomb, the roof is crap, and the plumbing was done by a stoned monkey you should be fine. If everything was recently updated it sounds like the previous owners were planning on making a profit. Most likely they gutted the walls and would have noticed all the old bad stuff (leaks and bad wiring.) At that point it's pretty easy to fix. Good luck!!