Maintaining Your Older Home with a Home Warranty

It's not uncommon to want an older house as your next place to live. Perhaps you're looking for the exquisite charm that you can only get from a classic home. You might enjoy the wood grain finish of the furnishings, the old-fashioned flooring, or any other element of timeless design.

An older home can be just as enjoyable as a brand new one, despite potential drawbacks like outdated utilities or inefficient appliances. In fact, the 2021 American Housing Survey (AHS) found that about 17% of homes are older homes built before 1950, with owners spending a median of $1,800 a year on upkeep. Despite their age, these homes still offer timeless charm and character that many homeowners find appealing.

When a home's systems, such as electrical wiring, plumbing, HVAC, dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines, aren't up-to-date, issues can arise later while you're still living there. Protect yourself with a home warranty for existing homeowners, an option available from most home warranty providers.

Avoid unexpected situations, make budgeting for the family more manageable, and give yourself peace of mind by protecting all the appliances and systems in your home.

The Benefits of a Home Warranty on Older Homes

Many home warranty providers will still offer options for older households, typically as long as the systems and appliances inside still function properly upon inspection. These types of coverage are almost mandatory for a stress-free home buying experience.

Keep in mind that most home appliances only last a decade or two at most before requiring replacement, even with regular maintenance. If you're buying an older home, they may have an even shorter lifespan depending on when you purchase them. What happens if your washing machine breaks down unexpectedly?

Instead of scrambling for a maintenance specialist or an expensive replacement on the fly, why not give yourself a home warranty or home insurance for older homes? Under this contract, getting a contractor on the line is as easy as calling a number. Don't delay essential repair by searching extensively for a properly experienced service technician.

Warranties also give you a better price than dealing with issues yourself. Your monthly payments are all it takes to cover replacements and repairs. Prevent paying out of your pocket by getting in contact with a home warranty service.

What To Look Out For When Choosing a Structural Home Warranty For Existing Homes

Ask your preferred home warranty provider for details on structural support for older homes. In particular, consider the following when looking for a structure home warranty:

• Search for unexpected costs, fees, and deductibles. Budget for these expenses so that you aren't caught off-guard.
• Overview the terms of the agreement. For example, the company may only cover up to a certain amount and instill a coverage cap. Also, ensure you know what specific appliances and systems receive coverage, as some older ones may not be eligible.
• Know how the age of the house impacts the warranty. If you have a large, old tree in the backyard, it may be deeply rooted to the point where it's difficult or expensive to repair your underground plumbing. Ask your warranty provider if you have questions.
• Learn about pre-existing conditions. Companies will have varying policies on pre-existing conditions on your appliances and systems. Remember to check for these, especially on an older house.

Moving into a new home is an enlightening but busy time, so don't get caught up with broken appliances or home systems. Aged properties can feel nice to live in but may be prone to system failures, so invest in a home warranty for older systems.

Liberty Home Guard is your go-to service provider for reliable and cost-effective coverage. Instead of worrying about potential HVAC breakdowns during the hottest or coldest seasons of the year, get a home warranty, especially if you have an older home.