Maintaining a pre-1970 Austin house

Know what decade each system is from

Older homes are rarely original throughout. Establish the age of each major system, then service on that age rather than on the age of the house.

• Electrical panel and branch wiring, including any remaining ungrounded circuits.
• Drain lines, since cast iron from the 1950s is at the end of its service life.
• Water supply lines, especially any remaining galvanized pipe.
• Roof and any layered additions with a different roof age.
• HVAC and ductwork, which are often the newest thing in the house.

The annual list for an older Austin home

This differs meaningfully from a newer-build checklist.

• Crawlspace or foundation inspection twice a year.
• Wood window glazing, caulk, and sill paint touch-ups.
• Rot probing at porch columns, thresholds and skirt boards.
• Chimney and flue inspection if a fireplace is in use.
• Electrical safety check on outlets, panel connections and GFCI coverage.

Upgrade in the right order

Safety and water first, comfort second, cosmetics last. Panel and drain work under a finished floor is far cheaper before the remodel than after, which is the mistake most owners regret.

Questions we get

Is knob-and-tube wiring still in Austin homes?

Occasionally in pre-war houses, though most has been replaced. Ungrounded two-prong circuits are far more common and are worth addressing during any electrical work.

When should cast iron drains be replaced?

Cast iron typically lasts fifty to seventy years. Recurring slow drains, backups, or a camera inspection showing heavy scaling means plan the replacement rather than repeat the snaking.

Should I replace original wood windows?

Usually not. Restored wood sash with good weatherstripping and storm windows performs well and preserves the value of an older Austin home better than vinyl replacements.

Keep reading

• Caring for a pier-and-beam house in Austin · Foundation
• Exterior paint and caulk under Texas sun · Exterior
• Catching leaks before they cost you · Plumbing