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Older homes normally take longer to inspect than newer ones. Old homes are more prone to damage, deterioration, or outdated systems and features, and an inspector will need to note the condition of the home and anything in it that may need to be updated or repaired.

Generally, foundation cracks and repair are not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies. This type of damage is often considered normal wear and tear or a result of poor maintenance, which is the homeowner's responsibility. For example, damage caused by settling, shifting soil, or drainage issues is typically excluded.

However, there are exceptions. Coverage may apply if the foundation damage is a direct result of a covered peril, such as a house fire, a burst pipe, vandalism, or a vehicle accident. Coverage for natural disasters like earthquakes and floods often requires a separate, specific policy or add-on.

It can be safe to buy or live in a house with knob and tube (K&T) wiring, but only if the system is in good condition, functional, and has been thoroughly inspected and approved by a licensed electrician. Never purchase a home with K&T wiring without getting a professional electrical inspection first.

Key considerations include:

• Safety and Condition: An inspector will verify that the wiring is safe and has not deteriorated. Over time, the insulation can wear away, leaving exposed wires that pose a significant fire or shock hazard.

• System Capacity: The electrical service should be at least 60 amps. However, even at this capacity, K&T systems often struggle to handle the demands of modern appliances and electronics.

• Lack of Grounding: Knob and tube wiring is an ungrounded system, which is a safety concern for many modern devices.

• Ongoing Maintenance: If you live in a home with K&T wiring, it's recommended to have it inspected by an electrician every one to two years to ensure it remains in safe working order.

Ultimately, any inspection or modification of a knob and tube system should always be performed by a certified professional.

Repiping a house is a worthy investment in several scenarios. Key indicators that it's time to repipe include having pipes that are over 50 years old, experiencing frequent leaks and repairs, or noticing signs of corrosion and low water quality. It is especially important to replace pipes made from certain materials; lead pipes can cause serious health issues, galvanized steel can lead to rusty water, and polybutylene pipes can leach chemicals into your water supply.

Investing in new plumbing can prevent costly problems like water damage and mold growth. New pipes can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years, saving you money on future repairs and high water bills. Repiping can also increase your home's overall value and improve efficiency, for example, by using PEX pipes for lines that don't carry hot water. The cost to repipe a house typically ranges from $1,500 to $15,000.