The Most Common Red Flags for Buyers in Older Homes

The Most Common Red Flags for Buyers in Older Homes
By City Home Inspectors

🏚️ Older homes in Chicagoland are full of charm—arched doorways, vintage tile, and hand-crafted woodwork. But beneath that classic beauty may lie some costly secrets.

If you're considering buying a home built before the 1970s, here are the most common red flags our inspectors find—and why you need to take them seriously.

🚨 Problem: Outdated Systems & Hidden Risks

1. Foundation Settlement
Many older homes show signs of movement—cracks in walls, sloping floors, or door frames that won’t square. Left unchecked, this can point to serious structural instability.

2. Knob-and-Tube Wiring
This antiquated electrical system is not only inefficient—it’s a fire hazard and uninsurable in many cases.

3. Outdated Electrical Panels
Fuse boxes or low-capacity panels can't handle modern loads, leading to breaker trips or unsafe DIY wiring.

4. Lead-Based Paint
Homes built before 1978 are at high risk. While lead paint may be buried beneath newer coats, any flaking or renovation can release toxic particles.

5. Cast Iron Plumbing
These old pipes corrode from the inside, leading to slow drains, blockages, or full collapses that require costly replacement.

😬 Agitate: Why It Matters Now

These aren't just minor quirks—they can derail closings, skyrocket post-purchase repairs, or even pose health and safety risks. In competitive markets, skipping an inspection to win the bid can come back to haunt buyers later.

✅ Solve: Know Before You Buy

At City Home Inspectors, we specialize in assessing older homes across Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. We know what to look for, how to evaluate risk, and when to recommend specialists.

You'll get a detailed, photo-rich report that separates major concerns from minor fixes—giving you leverage, clarity, and peace of mind.

🔍 Old homes don’t have to mean old problems—if you inspect before you invest.

📅 Book your inspection today at www.cityhomeinspectors.com