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.

z28jeff View Member Profile	Oct 17 2005, 10:57 AM Post #2
Advanced Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 458 Joined: 11-October 05 From: Uniontown, Pa Member No.: 917	Everyone has done a good job of covering the basics here. In fact I can't think of much else to add. But if you want to hear about my experiences some time, give me a call. My house was built in 1889 and has a 3ft thick sandstone/mud foundation. In the last 10 years, I've gutted every room, added all new wiring, recepticals, switches, and light fixtures, insulation, drywall, flooring, and added on a whole new section. In 95,(when we first started on the house) it didn't even have plumbing. (an old outhouse still stands along the woodsline today). We had to add not only all the plumbing, but a septic tank as well. A new transformer was put on the pole, and a new service entrance installed. Along with a new 200A panel. After I removed all the ugly old insulbrick, I found the original wood siding to be in great shape. So I painted the whole exterior, made trim for the windows, and built front and back porches. There are probably another dozen things I'm not remembering or just don't feel like typing. But the point I'm trying to make is, if you have a question about an old house... I could probably help as I've allready been there and done that. Oh yeah, I do HVAC for a living. So I can help there too. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)