Older & Historic Homes.
Older Front Range homes have real charm — and a few era-specific surprises. Here’s what we pay special attention to in mature homes, and what owners should know.
What we look at closely
Older homes reward a careful eye — here’s where age tends to show up.
✓ Electrical
Knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, undersized panels, two-prong outlets, and limited capacity.
✓ Plumbing
Galvanized-steel supply lines, possible lead concerns, and aging fixtures.
✓ Era-specific materials
In pre-1980 homes we note materials that may contain asbestos or lead (testing is separate).
✓ Foundation & structure
Decades of settling and the quirks that come with it.
✓ Roof & windows
Age, single-pane glass, and the quality of past repairs.
✓ Updates & permits
How well previous renovations were done — and whether they were permitted.
Common problems we find
✓ Outdated electrical
Knob-and-tube, aluminum branch wiring, or panels that can’t keep up with modern loads.
✓ Corroding plumbing
Galvanized lines closing up from the inside, causing low pressure and discoloration.
✓ Hazardous-era materials
Possible asbestos or lead paint in older homes — test before disturbing them.
✓ Accumulated settling
Sloped floors and structural quirks built up over many decades.
✓ Energy loss
Single-pane windows and thin insulation driving high bills.
✓ Layered renovations
Successive DIY or unpermitted projects stacked on top of each other.
What owners should know
✓ Update key systems
Have older electrical and plumbing evaluated and modernized as needed.
✓ Test before you renovate
Check for asbestos and lead before any work that disturbs old materials.
✓ Budget for big systems
Plan ahead for roof, HVAC, and plumbing nearing end of life.
✓ Improve the envelope
Insulation and air sealing dramatically improve comfort in older homes.
✓ Keep records
Document updates and permits — it pays off at resale.
✓ Use specialists
Older homes reward expert eyes on each major system.
This guide is for general education. It reflects what we look for during a home inspection, not a substitute for a licensed professional. If you have a specific concern, please contact a licensed specialist for the system in question — and of course, we’re always happy to take a look during an inspection.
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Read →Plumbing
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Read →Electrical
Electrical problems are among the most safety-critical things we find — and often the least visible. Here’s what we check, the red flags we look for, and what you can safely keep an eye on yourself.
Read →Concerned about your older & historic homes?
We’ll give your home a thorough, plain-English inspection and flag anything worth a closer look.