At a recent home inspection on Orcas Island, I discovered water stains around a toilet that the Seller informed us were “historic.” Probing with a moisture meter, it was clear that the subfloor was clearly saturated with the possibility of underlying damage not visible without pulling the toilet and invasively inspecting. Moisture meters and infrared thermography help home inspectors determine elevated moisture conditions not visible to the naked eye.
In terms of historic properties, the West Coast is a “young pup” when compared to regions east of the Mississippi. However, that certainly doesn’t mean the area is devoid of homes of yesteryear: Northwest Washington has a healthy inventory of beautiful historic homes.
For this post, I’d like to share some worthwhile articles that address what to consider when inspecting historic properties. I hope they help you gain additional insight for wherever you are in the home inspection process.
Thanks for reading!
Author: International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI)
Title: “Inspecting Historic Homes”
Recommended Because: The article presents a helpful overview of things to consider in the main different structural elements (e.g.., foundation, wall coverings, roof, windows, etc.)
Author: American Home Inspectors Training
Title: “Historic home inspections require experience”
Recommended Because: The article addresses some of the characteristics you should consider in a home inspector when it comes to historic properties.
Author: National Trust for Historic Preservation
Title: “10 Tips for Inspecting Historic Houses Before You Buy”
Recommended Because: If you are in the market for a home or selling a home, check out the National Trust for Historic Preservation for lots of great tips related to historic properties. This is an excellent article particularly for those considering the purchase of a home.
To see what it’s like to inspect a historic home, check out the video below.
And for history buffs who merely want to see some impressive historic properties in Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and San Juan Counties, check out the links below. Road trip anyone?
• National Register of Historic Places Listings: Whatcom County
• National Register of Historic Places Listings: Skagit County
• National Register of Historic Places Listings: Island County
• National Register of Historic Places Listings: San Juan County
Do you have questions or comments about historic homes and historic properties or home inspections in general? Go “All” in and tweet us (@AIHomeInspect).