Age of home considerations:

[jbowman]

Age: This may be the single biggest factor when inspecting. Below are some considerations:

• 1850 Modern foundation techniques began.
• 1880 Modern framing techniques began.
• 1920 Cast in place concrete foundations techniques began.
• 1900-60 Asbestos and lead paint were popular.
• 1965 and later homes. Less chance of lead paint.
• 1970 Grounded (three strand) distribution wiring techniques began.
• 1965-75 Aluminum single strand wiring possible (probable in manufactured housing)
• 1978 Lead paint and asbestos banned.
• 1980 Vented attics issues were addressed and installed in new housing. (minimizes chances of moisture/mold issues)
• 1986 Lead solder banned (minimizes chances of lead in drinking water)
• 1986(?) Thermal-pane windows came on the scene.

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by jbowman

• 1986(?) Thermal-pane windows came on the scene.

Thanks for the list John.

I built a home in 1979 in Minnesota with thermal pane windows(Anderson). They were very common at that time for new construction.

Is the list you provided from a particular source?

[A Dan Leleika]

Nice contribution John. Thanks.

[David E. Helm]

Originally Posted by mlarson

Thanks for the list John.

I built a home in 1979 in Minnesota with thermal pane windows(Anderson). They were very common at that time for new construction.

Is the list you provided from a particular source?

/same here. I first used thermalpane windows in 1976.
I do price inspections based on age of house as well as square footage.

[Bill Smith]

What about diagonal sub-floor boards - 60's?

[Michael Larson]

[quote=dhelm....I do price inspections based on age of house as well as square footage.[/quote]

I have most often been inspecting houses that are less than ten years old in this fast growth area but have noticed it takes a fair amount of addtional time and care to inspect an older property.

I haven't charged more for older housing yet but am considering it. Can you offer any advice on upcharges based on age?

[Bruce A. King]

How about:

1990 lumber saving practices started

[rlind]

Bill,

My 1903 farmhouse in Wisconsin has original diagonal sub-floor boards....

I guess exceptions exist for every rule?

[David E. Helm]

Originally Posted by mlarson

I have most often been inspecting houses that are less than ten years old in this fast growth area but have noticed it takes a fair amount of addtional time and care to inspect an older property.

I haven't charged more for older housing yet but am considering it. Can you offer any advice on upcharges based on age?

My basic rate covers up to 49 years old. I add up charges for each decade over that (50 to 59, etc.) Oldest house I have done is 105 years. Likely one of the first built in this area that was not a log cabin. I do many in the 50 to 90 year category. Crawlspaces in some of these can be an adventure.

[Bill Smith]

Originally Posted by rlind

Bill,

My 1903 farmhouse in Wisconsin has original diagonal sub-floor boards....

I guess exceptions exist for every rule?

That's what makes this profession interesting

[Darrell B. Hadler]

Michael: I charge 300.00 + GST for 1500 sq. ft. or less (probably about 90% my business) but I do charge for extra sq. ft. and an additional 60.00 +GST for homes built before 1950. I call it a "Character Home Charge". I charge this because it does take longer to do a thorough job on these home that were built before codes and municipal inspectors were implemented.

[Michael Larson]

Thanks David and Darrell. You've given me something to think about for future inspections. None of us want to leave any money on the table so to speak.