South Boston, 9:00 AM—The chill in the air is nothing compared to the excitement (and nerves) of the first-time buyers and their family as they step into the 1890s-built home they just put an offer on. As the home inspector, it’s my job to uncover what’s behind the walls, beneath the floors, and above the ceilings—kind of like a detective, but with a flashlight and a moisture meter instead of a magnifying glass.
"Alright, everyone, welcome to inspection day! This is where we take a deep dive into the bones of this beauty. Now, before we start, let’s get one thing straight: No home is perfect, especially one that’s been standing for 135 years. The goal isn’t to find a ‘perfect’ home—it’s to make sure there are no serious surprises that’ll cost you big money or headaches down the line. Let’s get into it!"
First Stop: The Foundation & Structure
"This house has stood the test of time, but let’s check how well. Older South Boston homes were typically built with brick or fieldstone foundations, and yours is no exception. The good news? It’s solid. The bad news? It’s not going to be perfect."
🔍 What’s normal:
✅ Some minor cracks in the foundation—homes settle over time.
✅ Uneven floors—could be historic charm, could be something structural.
✅ A little efflorescence (white, powdery residue on basement walls)—just salt deposits from moisture.
⚠️ What to consider:
🔸 Any major horizontal cracks in the foundation—these can signal shifting issues.
🔸 Soft spots or rotting in support beams—wood doesn’t last forever!
🔸 High moisture levels in the basement—could mean poor drainage or potential water intrusion.
"I’d suggest sealing any small cracks and ensuring proper drainage around the home. We’ll note moisture levels and check for active leaks to see if anything needs urgent fixing."
Let’s Talk Electrical: Out With the Knob & Tube?
"Since this home was built in the 1890s, the original electrical system would have been gas lights or knob-and-tube wiring. If any of that old wiring is still here, it could be a red flag for your insurance company."
🔍 What’s normal:
✅ Updated electrical panels—most homes have had at least one major electrical upgrade over time.
✅ A mix of modern and older wiring.
⚠️ What to consider:
🔸 Knob-and-tube wiring (if present)—not up to modern safety standards.
🔸 Overloaded circuits—older homes weren’t built for today’s electrical demands.
🔸 No grounded outlets—two-prong outlets are common in older homes but should be updated.
"If you’re planning on running central air, high-powered appliances, or a home office, it’s worth having an electrician assess whether the system can handle it!"
Plumbing: Cast Iron, Galvanized Steel, or Copper?
"Now, plumbing in a home this age is a mixed bag. We’re looking for signs of lead pipes, cast iron drains that might be corroding, and whether updates have been made over the years."
🔍 What’s normal:
✅ Copper water supply lines—good news if you see these!
✅ Some older pipes in walls—common in homes with partial updates.
⚠️ What to consider:
🔸 Lead service lines—some older homes still have them.
🔸 Galvanized pipes—prone to rusting and restricting water flow.
🔸 Old cast iron drain lines—these can crack or corrode internally over time.
"If you see galvanized steel, expect to replace it eventually. And if there’s any lead, that’s something you’ll want to discuss ASAP—Boston’s water service can test and help with remediation options."
Roof & Attic: Old Bones, Potential Issues
"Up top, we’re looking at the roof’s age, the condition of shingles, and signs of leaks in the attic. Given this home’s age, there’s a good chance the roof has been replaced several times."
🔍 What’s normal:
✅ Some wear on shingles, depending on age.
✅ Small drafts in the attic—older homes weren’t built airtight!
⚠️ What to consider:
🔸 Leaks or water stains—can signal roofing issues.
🔸 Poor ventilation—can lead to moisture buildup.
🔸 Vermiculite insulation—could contain asbestos (common in older homes).
"If the roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, you’ll want to budget for a replacement within the next few years. And if we see signs of leaks, it’s worth having a roofing contractor take a closer look."
Heating System: How’s the Boiler?
"Many older Boston homes still rely on radiant heat—hot water or steam radiators—which can be incredibly efficient if well-maintained."
🔍 What’s normal:
✅ An old but functional boiler (they can last 30+ years!).
✅ Radiators that take a little time to warm up.
⚠️ What to consider:
🔸 An ancient boiler—efficiency drops over time.
🔸 No insulation around pipes—leads to heat loss.
🔸 No central air—older homes rarely have ductwork.
"If you’re thinking about adding AC, mini-split systems can be a great option instead of installing full ductwork!"
Final Thoughts & The Inspection Report
"So, overall—this house is exactly what we’d expect from an 1890s South Boston home. It has character, solid bones, and a few things you’ll want to keep an eye on. But the key takeaway? Nothing majorly concerning that should scare you away—just things that come with the territory of owning an older home."
💡 What to do next:
✔️ Review the full inspection report and highlight anything you want to negotiate.
✔️ Get estimates for any updates you’ll need in the next 5 years.
✔️ Plan for ongoing maintenance—older homes need love, but they reward you with charm and history.
Thinking About Buying a Home in Boston? Let’s Chat!
Navigating an older home purchase can feel overwhelming, but having an experienced Realtor® on your side makes all the difference. If you’re considering buying in South Boston or anywhere in the city, let’s talk about what to expect and how to make sure you’re getting the right home for you.
📩Schedule a consultation with Danielle Dimond today to get started. To access my list of recommended home inspectors, you can download the guide using this link!