Understanding Structural Issues in Older Homes

Understanding Structural Issues in Older Homes
By City Home Inspectors

🏚️ Historic homes offer charm, character—and sometimes, hidden structural problems.

Whether you’re buying a 1920s Chicago bungalow or living in a Victorian-style gem, it's essential to know the signs of structural trouble before it becomes a costly headache.

At City Home Inspectors, we specialize in evaluating older homes. Here’s what you need to watch for—and what it could mean.

🔍 What Counts as a Structural Issue?

Structural problems affect the integrity and safety of a home’s foundation, framing, or support systems. They’re more than cosmetic—they can impact stability, resale value, and financing.

🧱 5 Warning Signs of Structural Concerns

1. Cracks in Walls or Ceilings
Vertical or diagonal cracks above doors, near corners, or along ceilings could signal foundation movement or settling. Hairline cracks are common—but wider or stair-step patterns raise red flags.

2. Sloping or Uneven Floors
If you set a ball down and it rolls across the room, the floor might not be level. This could indicate shifting support beams or failing subfloor systems.

3. Doors and Windows That Stick
Sticky doors or windows that won’t close properly may mean the house is subtly shifting or settling unevenly.

4. Gaps Around Windows or Baseboards
Separation between walls, floors, and fixtures often points to foundation shifts or frame warping.

5. Cracks in the Foundation or Basement Walls
Exterior cracks, especially horizontal ones or those wider than ¼ inch, are major indicators of structural stress—and should be evaluated immediately.

🏠 Why Older Homes Are More at Risk

Chicago’s freeze-thaw cycles, clay soil, and decades of wear make vintage homes more prone to settlement, moisture intrusion, and outdated support structures.

✅ What to Do if You Suspect a Problem

• Schedule a home inspection with structural assessment

• Document and monitor visible changes

• Get professional opinions before making costly repairs

• Understand that not all movement is urgent—but all should be understood

🎯 Knowledge is power—especially when it comes to the bones of your home.

📅 Ready to check what’s beneath the surface? Schedule your inspection today at www.cityhomeinspectors.com