What to Know Before Buying a Home Built Before 1990

What to Know Before Buying a Home Built Before 1990 — Safety, Materials & Repairs

Buying an older home can be exciting. They often feature charm, character, and established neighborhoods—but they also come with unique challenges. Homes built before 1990 may have safety issues, outdated materials, or hidden repair needs. If you’re considering purchasing one in 2026, here’s what you need to know.

1. Understand Common Materials and Their Risks

Older homes often include building materials that are less common today:

Lead Paint – Common in homes built before 1978; can cause serious health issues.
Asbestos – Found in insulation, flooring, and roofing in homes built before 1980.
Knob-and-Tube Wiring – Outdated electrical system found in many pre-1950s homes.
Old Plumbing – Galvanized steel pipes may corrode; polybutylene pipes (1978–1995) often fail.

Tip: Hire a certified inspector to identify these hazards before buying. Remediation can be expensive, so factor costs into your budget.

2. Roofs and Structural Concerns

Older homes may have aging structural components:

Roofs may be near the end of their lifespan (shingles typically last 20–30 years).
Foundations may settle over decades, causing cracks or drainage issues.
Older siding, windows, and doors may be drafty or require replacement.

Pro Advice: Consider hiring a structural engineer if there are signs of settlement or water damage.

3. Electrical and HVAC Systems

Outdated electrical and HVAC systems are common in pre-1990 homes:

Electrical panels may not handle modern power loads.
Breakers may be outdated, posing fire risks.
HVAC systems may be inefficient, costing more to heat and cool the home.

Tip: Upgrading these systems can improve safety and lower long-term costs.

4. Energy Efficiency

Homes built before 1990 often lack modern energy efficiency features:

Single-pane windows
Minimal insulation in walls and attics
Inefficient water heaters and appliances

Why it matters: Energy inefficiency increases utility bills and may affect resale value.

5. Maintenance and Repairs

Older homes tend to require more ongoing maintenance:

Roof, plumbing, and electrical upgrades
Painting and siding repairs
Foundation or drainage fixes
HVAC maintenance

Budgeting Tip: Set aside 1–3% of the home’s value annually for maintenance on older homes.

6. Safety Checks to Prioritize

Before buying, ensure the home passes these safety evaluations:

Lead and asbestos inspection
Mold and moisture inspection
Termite and pest inspection
Electrical safety inspection
Structural integrity assessment

Safety checks protect your family and prevent costly surprises later.

7. Benefits of Buying an Older Home

Despite challenges, older homes offer advantages:

Character and unique architectural details
Often larger lots and established landscaping
Prime locations in established neighborhoods
Potential for renovation and value increase

Tip: Renovation can make an older home modern, energy-efficient, and safer while preserving charm.

8. Financing and Insurance Considerations

Some lenders may require upgrades for homes with outdated electrical, plumbing, or roofing.
Homeowners insurance may be higher for homes with older wiring or materials like asbestos.
FHA and VA loans sometimes require repairs before closing.

Advice: Factor these potential costs into your offer and negotiate repairs with the seller.

Final Thoughts

Buying a home built before 1990 is a tradeoff: charm and location versus potential repairs and safety concerns. With careful inspections, budgeting, and a realistic understanding of maintenance needs, you can enjoy an older home without unpleasant surprises.

Do your due diligence in 2026: inspect, budget, and plan for updates—so you can enjoy the unique character and potential of an older home safely and confidently.

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ina Jingru Sui 隋静儒

Associate Broker | Team Leader of TJS Team, Keller Williams

Serving Metro Atlanta — Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Duluth, Suwanee, Buford, and beyond