What to Look for When Buying an Older Vermont Home

Historic Vermont homes are full of character and charm that we all can fall in love with. But when you’ve decided to shop for a home built in the 1800s, it is important to look beyond the original wood floors, exposed beams, and quirky details. These homes can come with unforeseen issues that you won’t find in newer constructions. These issues don’t mean you should be put off from owning the home of your dreams. It just may take a bit more work, and knowing the potential issues to look for can help you better understand the home and how much repair you'll need to budget for in the future.

Start With the Foundation

When touring a home built in the 1800s, the foundation is one of the first places to take a closer look. Uneven floors, warped window frames, bowing walls, or visible settling can all be signs the house has shifted over time. That does not always mean there is a major problem, but it is worth understanding before you buy.

Many older Vermont homes sit on fieldstone foundations, which require different maintenance than modern poured concrete. In the basement, check the foundation walls for inconsistencies in the stone spacing, stones that have shifted out of place, and any areas where the wall may be bowing inward. These are all signs that the foundation will require reinforcing or replacing in the coming years.

Watch for Water and Drainage Problems

Water can wreak havoc on a home over time. The older the home, the more time rain has had to cause potential damage. Take the time to see how it moves around the property. Check gutters, downspouts, property grading, and roof runoff to see whether water is being directed away from the foundation. 

Inside, look for staining, mold, rotted wood, peeling paint, or musty smells. Runoff from snowmelt can make drainage problems especially noticeable, so keep an eye on low spots where water may collect. Even if the basement is dry during your showing, signs of past moisture can tell you a lot.

Uneven Floors and Walls are Common

One of the first things you may notice in an older home are the floors. A perfectly level floor is pretty uncommon in a house that has been standing for more than 200 years. Some sloping, settling, and irregularity should be expected.

The important part is knowing when those quirks could be pointing to something bigger. Significant slopes, large cracks along the top or bottom of walls, sticking doors, or visible shifting can be signs of structural movement. If something seems beyond normal character, a home inspector with experience in historic properties or a structural engineer can help you figure out what is going on.

Look Closely at Chimneys and Fireplaces

Old fireplaces and chimneys may be some of your favorite features during a showing, but they deserve a closer look. Check for cracked masonry, leaning chimneys, water stains, or spots needing obvious repairs.

If a fireplace or woodstove is still in use, call a professional to have it inspected. Damaged liners, buildup, or blockages inside an older chimney can create safety concerns that are not always visible from the room below.

While you are looking up, check the attic and areas around chimneys for leaks, rot, and insulation. Older Vermont homes often have little insulation in some areas, or may show signs that multiple additions were insulated at very different times. Knowing what kind of insulation was installed in different parts of the home will inform you of what you may need to replace in the future.

Inspect the Roof and Exterior

Ask how old the roof is, and take a look at the condition of the shingles or other roofing materials. Missing, curling, or heavily worn areas could mean repairs or replacement are on the horizon.

When touring around the exterior of a home, look at siding, trim, porches, and window frames for rot or deterioration. Pay particular attention to flashing around chimneys and anywhere two parts of the house meet. Shifting over time can open up these areas and make them vulnerable to water damage.

Many historic homes have been expanded over the years, adding on additional bedrooms or living areas. Places where an addition connects to the original house can be especially important to inspect for leaks, drafts, settling, or weather damage.

Know What You’re Buying

Uneven floors, an old stone foundation, or a quirky addition do not automatically make an 1800s home a bad investment. After all, many of these houses have already been standing for generations.

The goal is to know which quirks are simply part of the home’s history and which could require some time and money down the road. A thorough inspection and understanding of future maintenance can help you enjoy everything that makes an older Vermont home special without being caught off guard after you move in.

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