Hey everyone! I'm currently considering making an offer on a house built in 1949 and would love your thoughts on its safety, especially for the next few years. I'm planning to get a professional inspection, but I wanted a bit of insight before diving deeper into the process. I've noticed that the attic looks like it has been opened up for potential living space, and there are wood beams resting on various cuts of wood, which is a bit concerning. I live in Canada, so we do get quite a bit of snow in the winter. The roof appears to be newly redone, but I'm not sure if that's enough. There's a link to the property here for better context: https://www.centris.ca/en/houses~for-sale~coaticook/20801481. I'd appreciate any advice or pointers on whether this might be a bad investment! Thanks in advance!
3 Answers
It really depends on how well the work was done. It could either be a risky setup or something solid. Definitely have a realtor check the beams with you; they’ll know what to look for in terms of red flags. If you're seeing the beams are well-reinforced, you might be okay. It's not uncommon for some changes to be made for stability, especially if there were issues with the roof before.
This is solid advice! Based on the sales photos, it seems like they could have added those braces to prevent roof deflection, which happens over time. Just make sure to inspect thoroughly during your visit.
It looks like those beams might be more for temporary support rather than structural integrity. I’d be concerned about proper ventilation between the roof sheathing and foam insulation, especially in a snowy climate like Canada, to prevent wood rot. Definitely something to keep an eye on!
You raise a good point about moisture. I’ve had properties pass the sniff test before only for an inspector to uncover mold later. Sounds like I’ll definitely be hiring professionals for a thorough check.
Right? You never know what’s behind the walls. It’s always better to err on the side of caution, especially with older homes!
Honestly, it’s tough to assess safety without a professional's evaluation, especially just from photos. In the US, the inspection happens after an offer is accepted, and if anything serious is found, you often have the option to back out. I assume there's something similar in Canada? If you see any visible issues, it's actually a great idea to flag them before making any decisions.
I really appreciate your input! Yes, in Canada, I can also cancel my offer if something serious comes up. I was mostly looking for visible signs to save myself the inspection costs.
Totally get that, but sometimes the upfront investment in the inspection could save you a lot more if serious issues are lurking.
Thanks for the tips! We saw it in person now, and while the realtor was great, he couldn’t really assess this part. It does feel pretty solid though, so I guess my next step is getting a professional in.