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.

KeithO View Member Profile	Oct 16 2005, 11:13 PM Post #2
Veteran Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 2,647 Joined: 23-December 03 From: Pittsburgh, PA Member No.: 14	Good responses and thanks. First off, I forgot to mention, the roof was also replaced within the last 5 years and I have already been in the attic. It appears to be single layer - when you say single layer, I assume you are saying that someone didn't install a "new" roof over an existing one, right? The furnace appears to be 10+ years old and it is hot water-based heat. This will be one thing to check on with the inspector that I hire. Since it is water-based heat, there is no central A/C though there are two window units in the house. I plan on trying to find a home inspector that specializes in old houses. I am hoping that such a category exists. Believe it or not, we are "downsizing" by buying this house. I am fed up with the suburbs and the ridiculous tax escalation so we are moving to a small town about 40 miles away. I figure the extra $$$ can go to paying someone else to fix things around the house and car parts!!! BTW - No offers on our house as a result of the open house. I guess I need to be patient and let fate decide what happens. ...anyone wanna buy a house? (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)