Special review and caution should be used for homes 30 years or older.  Zoning and ordinance changes plus building materials and methods of home construction have changed significantly during the past 30 years.

For example, balloon construction was used until the 1930s for two story construction of homes.  The studs run the full height of the home causing these them to be more prone to fires spreading from first floor to second floor.  Today, homes are built on a platform basis so the first and second floors are built separately, reducing the chance of a fire spreading floor to floor.

Fuses or knob and tube wiring is commonly found in homes greater than 50 years old.  Knob and tube wiring doesn’t have a ground wire and it’s highly susceptible to wear and exposure.  Unintentional contact of hot and neutral wires can cause an electrical fire.  60-100 amp service panels are also common in older homes.  Homes built today come standard with a service panel of 200 amps.  If you’re looking to place an older home with us, please make sure it has been fully converted from fuses to circuit breakers. 

Galvanized steel plumbing was also common prior to 1950, and its life expectancy is only 40-50 years.  Over time it will corrode from the inside out resulting in reduced water pressure and restricted water flow which is a potential risk for leaks and ruptures.  We are looking to write homes that have copper or PVC piping.

Additionally, we don’t accept functional replacement cost estimators, because if the insured wanted to replace the home with the types of features common in older homes, such as plaster and detailed woodworking, we would be required to do so.  We must make sure we are insuring the home for the total cost to replace those features.

By watching for these issues you will not only help ensure the quality of your book of homeowner business, you may help a customer avoid an unexpected and serious loss.