I just wanted to take a quick moment to share a recent experience with a client who was buying a home built in the late 50's that had not been occupied by the owner for 4 to 6 months. We had the normal home inspection done that he paid $250 to have done. There were a number of "issues" typical to an older home, but one that really caused me some concern was slow drainage of the plumbing system. Understanding the contract states buyer is responsible for cost of all inspections and that the home inspector recommended further evaluation by a plumber, I advised and buyer agreed to have plumber run camera through the line to determine potential cause of slow drainage. It cost the buyer an additional $250 to have this done, but ended up revealing that the sewer line needed replaced due to age, tree roots and deterioration. Total cost $7400. We renegotiated the price down an additional $8750 to allow for the buyer to have this and some electrical work performed after closing.

When buying an older home, be particularly diligent in inspection of the plumbing system.