Buying an Older Home in Miami? What to Watch For

Older homes have a lot going for them

Many of Miami's older concrete block homes are solidly built, sit on bigger lots and are in established neighborhoods. But a home built decades ago has also had decades of wear, repairs and updates, and not all of them were done well. Here's what to pay attention to, and what it can mean for your insurance.

Plumbing

Cast iron drain lines. Common in older Miami homes. Over time they can crack, rust through and leak under the slab. Slow drains, backups and odors are warning signs. A plumber can run a camera through the drain line to see its condition. That's a separate service from a home inspection.

Galvanized steel supply pipes. They rust from the inside, which can lower water pressure and cause leaks.

Polybutylene supply pipes. Used in some homes built in the 1980s and 1990s, and widely declined by insurers.

Electrical

Older homes may have an outdated electrical panel, too few outlets, ungrounded outlets, or wiring that's been added onto over the years. Some older panel brands are commonly declined by insurers. Watch for extension cords used as permanent wiring, which tell you the home needs more outlets.

Roof

The roof may have been replaced more than once. Find out when it was last replaced, and ask for the permit. Roof age matters a lot to Florida insurers. Read how old a roof can be for insurance in Florida.

Windows, doors and hurricane protection

Older homes may still have their original windows. Impact windows, impact doors or approved shutters protect the home and can lower your windstorm premium. A wind mitigation inspection documents what's there.

Additions and past repairs

Older homes often have additions, enclosed patios or converted garages. Ask the seller for permits, and check the permit history with the city or county. Unpermitted work can cause problems later with safety, insurance and resale.

Insurance comes first

Many insurers ask for a four-point inspection on older homes before they'll write a policy. Get a quote before your inspection period ends, so there are no surprises at closing. We can do the home inspection, the four-point and the wind mitigation in one visit. Read the difference in wind mitigation vs. four-point.