Old houses need a calm report

Cedar Grove still had original millwork, a wraparound porch, and a slate roof that had been maintained in patches. Buyers of homes this age often fear the inspector will “kill the deal.” Our job was to describe what was original, what had been updated, and what was unsafe—without treating every antique detail as a defect.

The attic contained abandoned knob-and-tube runs next to newer NM cable. We recommended a licensed electrician confirm what remained energized. Two chimney crowns were open. The boiler was a late-model replacement and operated. Porch columns showed decay at the bases. Lead-based paint is common in pre-1978 homes; we noted the age of the house and recommended following federal disclosure rules rather than pretending a visual inspection can certify paint chemistry.

The buyers proceeded with a longer due-diligence period and hired a mason and an electrician using our photo list. That is a successful historic inspection: the family understood the house they were inheriting.