Tools

Ask a Question
Start a Discussion
Close
Create an Email Alert

Alerts are a great way for you to stay up-to-date on things you care about. We will email you a list of the new items that match your criteria at a time of your choosing.

This alert is for the following:

Topic:
My Husband and i are looking at purchasing a home ...

How often would you like the alert emailed?

Frequency:

Immediately Daily Weekly
Maximum 20 emails/day

Save

Cancel E-mail alerts
RSS
Send to del.icio.us
Send to StumbleUpon
Print page

Partner Tools

Views: 245
US
Washington
Nearby States
- Alabama
- Alaska
- American Samoa
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Guam
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virgin Islands
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Don't see it?

Find:
Spokane
Nearby Cities
- Airway Heights
- Amber
- Babb
- Buckeye
- Chattaroy
- Cheney
- City of Spokane Valley
- Coey
- Colbert
- Country Homes
- Darknell
- Deep Creek
- Deer Park
- Denison
- Duncan
- Dynamite
- East Cheney
- East Farms
- Elk
- Espanola
- Fairchild
- Fairchild AFB
- Fairfield
- Fairwood
- Freedom
- Freeman
- Green Acres
- Green Bluff
- Latah
- Liberty Lake
- Manito
- Marshall
- Mason City
- Mead
- Medical Lake
- Mica
- Milan
- Millwood
- Newman Lake
- Nine Mile Falls
- Otis Orchards-East Farms
- Plaza
- Rockford
- Shadle Garland
- Spangle
- Town and Country
- Valleyford
- Veradale
- Waverly
Don't see it?

Find:
Neighborhood
Nearby Neighborhoods
Don't see it?

Find:

My Husband and i are looking at purchasing a home that has 105 year old foundation is it safe?

Contributions: 2

Q&A

:2

View full profile

Flag content

May 15 - Spokane

RSS

Answers (11)

Kristopher Morgan, "Kris Morgan"
Contributions: 24

Kristopher Morgan, "Kris Morgan"

Real Estate Agent

Contributions: 24

Q&A

:23
Disc

:1

View full profile

Just get a home inspection. Choose one yourself don't use one provided by the seller.

Flag content

May 28

Eric Kossian, "InsurePro"
Contributions: 22

Eric Kossian, "InsurePro"

Contributions: 22

Q&A

:20
Disc

:2

View full profile

Old foundations are an issue when it comes to insurance. The main thing insurance companies and prospective homeowner's should look for is 1. Is the foundation a cement, perimeter foundation (not post and pier.) 2. Is the foundation attached to the home. This is especially important in earthquake prone areas such as the greater Seattle area where there is the likelyhood of a major earthquake causing substantial damage. If the foundation is not attached to the home, then in an earthquake, the home literally bounces off the foundation and collapses (I've seen this). However, if the home you are considering is not attached to the fouandation, it can be retrofitted by an experienced contractor. Only attached foundations qualify for earthquake insurance. 3. Are there cracks in the foundation. WHile not uncommon, small cracks are generally not a problem, a lot of small cracks or large cracks could be a sign of land subsidence. Earth movement/subsidence is not covered under homeower's or earthquake policies and insurance companies will immediately cancel policies where htere is significant subsidence going on. There is an earth movement policy available separately to cover landslide (above or below the home, but not avalanche). My recommendation would be to have the foundation inspected prior to buying.

Flag content

May 28

Matthew K. Salem
Contributions: 18

Matthew K. Salem

Real Estate Agent

Contributions: 18

Q&A

:13
Disc

:5

View full profile

Apart from Foundation issue, be prepared for some quirky designs and floorplans that seem a bit odd

Flag content

May 20

Sandro - NW Real Estate, "NW Real Estate Agent"
Contributions: 71

Sandro - NW Real Estate, "NW Real Estate Agent"

Real Estate Agent

Contributions: 71

Q&A

:65
Disc

:6

View full profile

Old homes have lots of character! and if it already was able to withstand the test of time it may be OK.

Do not underestimate any defects on the foundation. Get an inspection, and then get a second opinion from a foundation specialist.

Good luck,

Sandro

Flag content

May 16

sunnyview
Contributions: 10598

sunnyview

Contributions: 10598

Q&A

:6211
Disc

:4370
Photos

:17

Zillow All-Star

Since January 2009

View full profile

I love old houses. Maybe you'd consider coming back and letting everybody know how it went. Fingers crossed for a good inspection and all going well :)

Flag content

May 16

Randolph L. Smith, "RandolphLSmith"
Contributions: 139

Randolph L. Smith, "RandolphLSmith"

Real Estate Agent

View my 2 listings

Contributions: 139

Q&A

:93
Disc

:30
Photos

:16

Zillow All-Star

Since October 2009

View full profile

I would be more skeptical of the 2007 re-build than a foundation that has with-stood 100 years already.
Get a good inspector and get answers to these problems, just don't blow them off as nothing.
FOR EXAMPLE:
Gaps in the baseboards could mean slight foundation settled over 100 years and the re-build did not compensate to shim and Square it, thus the gaps. Small gaps are normal in run of the mill construction, this is what molding covers. With true craftsman, you will be hard pressed to find so much as a seam. Your inspector will determine acceptability.

The bulge could be the result of a forced fit, now a spring loaded problem that will magnify itself later. SIGNS OF POOR CONSTUCTION WILL TIP THE INSPECTOR OFF TO LOOK FOR OTHER HIDDEN TRICKS. These types of flaws can be just the tip of the iceberg in what you cannot see.

For example: You don't want to buy a house that is not properly attached to the foundation, right?

Only a good inspector will be able to tell you for sure by looking first hand. DO NOT USE ONE REFERRED BY THE CONTRACTOR OR SELLER. FIND YOUR OWN. DO HAVE THE FOUNDATION CHECKED INSIDE AND OUT.

Flag content

May 16

tinack2003
Contributions: 2

tinack2003

Contributions: 2

Q&A

:2

View full profile

Thank's guy's for all the great advice. This has been awesome. It has helped me a great deal on where to go from here. I will use all of your imput to help us on this purchase.The home was bought by contractor in
2007 who took the home down to the stud's and rebuilt it. But we noticed a slight bulge in one wall and some gap's in the base board's. so that gave us some concern's. So thank you all for the great advice. We will will certainly have some extra time spent on the foundation inspection. We love the home and hope it is solid.

Flag content

May 16

Brent Lumley, "LumleyTeam"
Contributions: 122

Brent Lumley, "LumleyTeam"

Real Estate Agent

View my 5 listings

Contributions: 122

Q&A

:20
Disc

:6
Photos

:96

View full profile

Most are fine. Just have a licensed home inspector do a thorough check of the home and foundation during your home inspection period. Check the references and make sure no complaints are filed against the person you choose.

Brent

Flag content

May 16

Bette Defarm
Contributions: 4631

Bette Defarm

Contributions: 4631

Q&A

:201
Disc

:4407
Photos

:23

View full profile

"Some 105 year old houses have fine foundations, others are a mess. The East coast has lots of 100 year old+ houses so this issue comes up more frequently there."

I had to pipe up... my parent's house was built in the 1700's (by a "Defarm," in fact) and the foundation is as perfect as the day it was built. I presently rent a home that is also more than a century old and the foundation is in fantastic shape. I suspect that Connecticut's soil, lack of earth quakes and amazing stone masons contribute to our good luck. I would definitely take Sunny's advice and get the inspection. You might also go to your local historical society and ask about the home and those in the area, often they can give you a wealth of info.

Flag content

May 16

sunnyview
Contributions: 10598

sunnyview

Contributions: 10598

Q&A

:6211
Disc

:4370
Photos

:17

Zillow All-Star

Since January 2009

View full profile

Some 105 year old houses have fine foundations, others are a mess. The East coast has lots of 100 year old+ houses so this issue comes up more frequently there. On a house this age, I would consider spending the little bit extra to get a separate foundation inspection after your regular house inspection or at least let your inspector know that you want extra attention paid to the foundation during the inspection. Most foundations will stay nice and solid even on an old house unless there have been ongoing gutter issues, faulty grade/drainage issues around the house, clay soils under the house or if there is a faulty mix of the original concrete. Old houses are great and many are very sound even at 100 years old. Get your inspections done and don't be afraid to get an additional foundation inspection if you feel you need one.

Flag content

May 16

Sam DeBord, "SeattleHome.com"
Contributions: 2571

Sam DeBord, "SeattleHome.com"

Real Estate Agent

View my 7 listings

Contributions: 2571

Q&A

:1557
Disc

:330
Photos

:684

Zillow All-Star

Since February 2009

View full profile

It could be safe- sometimes early 1900s home foundations are in fine condition. Just make sure you have a qualified home inspector dedicate some time to inspecting the foundation - from inside the crawlspace/basement if possible.

Flag content

May 16

Have a question? Ask it here.

Most Active Spokane Real Estate Agents

Colleen Kelley

46 listings

Local Expert
Paul Murray

20 listings

Local Expert
Thomas Tagen, GRI, RSPS, TRC

16 listings

Local Expert
Julia Sells Homes Team

28 listings

1493 contributions
Wendy Kennedy

11 listings

200 contributions

See more Spokane real estate agents

Question I am considering a move to the Spokane, WA area & want to find out what it's like to live there.

Latest answer by Vandraren
October 05

In Home Buying
6 Answers - 152 Views

Question Lender offered me 5.25% on a VA 0% down in eastern WA. But I hear current rate is below 5. What is r

Latest answer by Josh Klenda
September 04

In Home Buying
5 Answers - 177 Views

Question how do I know what is a good first offer?

Latest answer by Sandro - NW Real Estate
June 17

In Buying Process
4 Answers - 298 Views

Question My Husband and i are looking at purchasing a home that has 105 year old foundation is it safe?

Latest answer by Kristopher Morgan
May 28

In Home Buying
11 Answers - 245 Views

Question I saw that several of these homes that were sold as forclosures were sold for 561.00. Why??

Latest answer by Stephen Kim
May 13

In Buying Foreclosures
6 Answers - 375 Views

See More

Guide Real Estate Buyer's Closing Costs

In Buying Process
Edited August 27

Guide List of Closing Costs and Fees

In Buying Process
Edited August 27

Guide About First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

In Home Buying
Edited July 22

Guide You've Opened Escrow

In Buying Process
Edited July 21

Guide Picking the Best Comps

In Using Zillow to buy
Edited May 04

See more articles about Home Buying

Current Mortgage Rates

Current Last Week

30 Year Fixed

15 Year Fixed

5/1 ARM

Get this widget

<div style="width:298px;height:123px;border:1px solid #adcfff;overflow:hidden;text-align:center;font-family:verdana,arial,sans-serif;font-size:8pt;line-height:13x;background-color:#eff3ff;letter-spacing:0;text-transform:none;">
		<div style="margin: 0 6px;">
			<div style="margin-top:6px;">
				<a href="http://www.zillow.com/Mortgage_Rates/#{scid=mor-wid-lthd}" target="_blank" style="font-size:9pt;color:#36b;text-decoration:none;font-weight:bold;">
				   
						Current
				   
				         
				   Mortgage Rates</a>
			</div>   
			
			<div style="color:#555;margin:5px 0 1px;">
				<span style="padding-left:137px;">Current</span>
				<span style="padding-left:23px;">Last Week</span>
			</div>

<div style="background:#fff;height:60px;width:284px;border:1px solid #adcfff;text-align:left;">
				<div style="width:146px;float:left;">
					<div style="height:20px;background-color:#fff;">
						<div style="padding:3px 0 0 4px;"><a href="http://www.zillow.com/30_Year_Fixed_Mortgage_Rates/#{scid=mor-wid-ltt1}" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:underline;color:#36b;">30 Year Fixed</a></div>
					</div>
					<div style="height:20px;background-color:#eff7ff;">
						<div style="padding:3px 0 0 4px;"><a href="http://www.zillow.com/15_Year_Fixed_Mortgage_Rates/#{scid=mor-wid-ltt2}" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:underline;color:#36b;">15 Year Fixed</a></div>
					</div>
					<div style="height:20px;background-color:#fff;">
						<div style="padding:3px 0 0 4px;"><a href="http://www.zillow.com/5-1_ARM_Mortgage_Rates/#{scid=mor-wid-ltt3}" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:underline;color:#36b;">5/1 ARM</a></div>
					</div>
				</div>
					
				<iframe title="Current Mortgage Rates" frameborder="0" height="60" scrolling="no" width="138" src="/mortgage/MortgageRateTableWidget.htm?wide=1&region=102001">
						Your browser doesn't support frames.  Visit 
					<a href="http://www.zillow.com/mortgage/" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none; font-size:9pt; font-weight:bold;">Zillow Mortgage Marketplace</a> 
					to see this content.
				</iframe>
				<div style="clear:both;"></div>
			</div>
			
			<div style="margin:4px 6px 0;height:15px;width:276px;">
				<a href="http://www.zillow.com/mortgage/#{scid=mor-wid-ltgr}" target="_blank" title="Zillow Mortgage Marketplace" style="display:block;margin-left:4px;height:15px;width:145px;float:left;"><img src="/static/images/zillow-mortgage-logo-small.gif" alt="Mortgages, Home Loans, and Mortgage Quotes at Zillow Mortgage Marketplace" style="border:none;"/></a>
				   
				<a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/MortgageRateWidget.htm#{scid=mor-wid-ltget}" target="_blank" style="font-size:7pt;color:gray;text-decoration:none;float:right;margin:1px 5px 0 0;width:80px;">Get this widget</a>
			</div>
		</div>
	</div>

Need a Mortgage?

Zillow Mortgage Marketplace

Competitive rates
Accurate, custom quotes
Thousands of lenders

... and, it's free and anonymous

Learn about Zillow Mortgage Marketplace

Zillow Poll:

Suggested by Mark R

If you are having a home inspected what is most important to you.

Price of inspection

Realtor told me inspector was good.

Referred by friend.

Experience and quality of inspector's work

Next poll
Suggest a poll

Be A Good Neighbor

Zillow® Advice depends on each member to keep it a safe, fun, and positive place. If you see abuse, flag it. More on our Good Neighbor Policy

Tools

Create an Email Alert

This alert is for the following:

How often would you like the alert emailed?

Partner Tools

Nearby States

Nearby Cities

Nearby Neighborhoods

My Husband and i are looking at purchasing a home that has 105 year old foundation is it safe?

Contributions: 2

Main Image

Answers (11)

Real Estate Agent

Contributions: 24

Contributions: 22

Real Estate Agent

Contributions: 18

Real Estate Agent

Contributions: 71

Contributions: 10598

Zillow All-Star

Real Estate Agent

Contributions: 139

Zillow All-Star

Contributions: 2

Real Estate Agent

Contributions: 122

Contributions: 4631

Contributions: 10598

Zillow All-Star

Real Estate Agent

Contributions: 2571

Zillow All-Star

Have a question? Ask it here.

Most Active Spokane Real Estate Agents

Related Questions

Question I am considering a move to the Spokane, WA area & want to find out what it's like to live there.

Question Lender offered me 5.25% on a VA 0% down in eastern WA. But I hear current rate is below 5. What is r

Question how do I know what is a good first offer?

Question My Husband and i are looking at purchasing a home that has 105 year old foundation is it safe?

Question I saw that several of these homes that were sold as forclosures were sold for 561.00. Why??

Related Articles about Home Buying

Guide Real Estate Buyer's Closing Costs

Guide List of Closing Costs and Fees

Guide About First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

Guide You've Opened Escrow

Guide Picking the Best Comps

Need a Mortgage?

Get instant mortgage quotes

Be A Good Neighbor