Question for all you Titan driving contractors.

[moore101]

I am trying to purchase a home in Southern CA that was built in 1954. It has a raised foundation and a shake roof. The home is in near perfect all original condition.

What are the major downsides to a home of this vintage? I know the appliances will need to be updated but is a raised foundation (wood floors) bad? The shake roof looks like it is in good condition so I don't think it is original or is that even possible?

I know to get a home inspector if the sale progresses I am just curious as the area that I want to move to is older (Upland/Claremont). My house now was built in 1990 so there weren't any surprises there.

Thanks,
Loran

[TOTitan]

It has become very difficult if not impossible to insure a home with a shake roof in socal. I had to replace my shake roof (in Thousand Oaks) with a comp roof last year to keep my coverage.

The electrical system in a 50's home is typically 100 amps or less....these days we have more electronic stuff and A/C than they ever dreamed of in the early 50's......you need to have at least 200 amp service. Also the typical 50's wiring has fabric insulation which rots and falls off, and no ground wire.

Older homes dont have any of the hardware, ( hold downs, metal straps, hurricane ties, shear panels, etc) that modern homes do that make them able to survive a earthquake. Take a look at what collapsed in the 94 Northridge quake......mostly older properties built before they started making us tie everything together with hardware and shear.

I hope this helps
Rod

[buzzkillwill]

Elctrical, as mentioned. See if it's been upgraded yet.
Paint. Most likely the home has lead paint in it. So, keep that in mind.
Plumbing. It's probably okay, but I would have the inspector check it well. Older homes used copper pipes, which are fine, but age can do be an issue.

I don't know about the roof you're talking about, but if it's an issue-check into it.

Also, you can ask the seller to help with costs to replace the roof. All they an say is no.

With any home, new or old, a good home inspection is a must...

Good luck!

[Jetboy]

Start calling insurance agents and seeing if they will even give you a quote. I moved from a 50 year old home to a 5 year old home, twice the size and price, my insurance went down 30%

The electrical, roof and plumbing are going to be the insurers main concern.

[Seerex]

mine was built in 54 and we just upgraded electrical , and then some plumbing, insulation and windows , but the older homes have a charm that new homes lack but you pay for it in repair sometimes and with me higher insurance

[moore101]

Thanks guys for all your input. I doubt I am getting the older home since someone else has a cash offer on it. There is another place that my fiance and I found that has everything we want and more for less money. Also it was built in 1987 so no suprises.

If my offer is accepted I'll post a pic of it!

Loran

[moore101]

Well I am back to the older home in Upland, the neighborhood is just too nice to not live here. Here is picture of the house and the back yard. Wish me luck I sign the accceptance papers tomorrow!