Before buying a historic home, ask these 10 questions.

So you're looking to purchase an older home? Before you get in, here are ten things you should know.

The intricate gingerbread porch trim, the big stone fireplace, and the quaint bay windows and nooks and crannies all seem so lovely. But should you buy the old property or just go on a house tour to admire it?

1.) What is the age of the item?

Don't trust real estate tax records, which are frequently based on guesswork. If possible, restrict the house's construction date down to a specific decade with the help of an experienced architectural historian or some old-fashioned sleuthing at the library.

2.) Is the Foundation in Good Working Order?

It's pointless to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a restoration paint job if the cellar bricks are collapsing and the only thing holding up the walls are termites holding hands.

3.) How's the plumbing situation?

Check to see if the toilets and sinks are still connected to their original cast iron plumbing (at least 50 years old) or if new PVC plumbing has been installed, and if so, when. You'll want to know if all of the plumbing in the bathrooms and kitchen needs to be replaced because you'll want to use these rooms for their intended uses.

4.) And what about the electricity?

When buying a historic property, you'll want to know if the power is run on ancient knob-and-tube wiring and has never been improved in terms of wattage. This is especially important if you use washers and dryers, microwave ovens, or computers.

5.) How is the house heated and air-conditioned (if at all)?

In the winter, old radiators are fantastic for warming mitts, but an oil heating system can be expensive to maintain. If you can't bear being hot and your house doesn't have central air, factor in the cost of installing room air conditioners to cool the space you'll need to chill.

Also Read: MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE OLD HOUSE RENOVATION?

6.) If Walls Could Speak...

We'd advise them to patch up their flaws. However, they'll be looking to you for that information, so be prepared. Is the house's original plaster still intact? Experts normally advise keeping it since it provides insulating value to the home, however, there are many drywallers but few plasterers in the phone book. Know your alternatives for fixing materials in your home's walls and ceilings.

7.) Stunned

Is the flooring authentic? Do you feel hopelessly sagging? Do you have a burnt orange shag carpet that has to be removed as soon as possible? Original flooring restoration is a common old-house project, and it can easily be done on your own, but you'll want to know what's ahead.