are within your capability, you should rely on the estimated cost of repairs as additional expenses that you will incur after buying the home. Often, the advice and recommendations that the estimators give will prove useful, as well.

How much time will repairs take? Again, if you are a do-it-yourselfer and you want to buy a fixer-upper, time is not much of a factor. However, if you are planning on hiring a repair service to renovate or repair problems, time is important. This is especially true for repairing critical systems such as heating and plumbing.

What permits are required? Remember to check with your local code enforcement officer before beginning work. What types of repair work requires a permit varies from community to community, so be sure to check first. There's nothing worse than having a well-meaning public official zealously descending upon your home with a stack of citations with your name on them.

Does the repair work require a contractor? Some situations are just beyond the capabilities of the DIY person. Take sewage and septic or roofing problems for example. Working with contractors can be intimidating and expensive if you don't know what questions to ask and what your legal rights are. Be sure to research the contractors in your area thoroughly and get references before deciding which one to hire. Sometimes the cheapest contractor is not always going to be the best. A good rule to follow is to pay attention to your gut-feeling you get when first meeting a candidate. If you sense something isn't quite right, don't hire them, find someone that is professional and makes you comfortable with their services and reputation.

Do the repairs qualify for government grants or assistance? Some repairs, especially energy efficiency repairs will qualify for government grants or tax credits. If so, you can save some money by not only repairing but also by upgrading the system. Energy efficient heating, cooling and insulation are good candidates for government grants.

Should you repair, restore, or upgrade? Some older homes have unique appliances and fixtures that add value to the home. If they are broken, a decision has to be made to repair, restore, or upgrade them. This can be an expensive choice in some instances, as finding a source of materials and parts can prove difficult. Sometimes, these items are what add the most value to older home's charm and are worth the expense.

Do you need to modernize the home? Many older homes still feature outdated power panels and electrical wiring. Many lack what we now consider indispensable utilities such as cable television and network wiring. Upgrading the technical conveniences of the home is going to add to the cost of ownership.

Is the home listed on the National Register of Historic Places or in a Historic Neighborhood? Homes that are listed on the National Register are wonderful places to live and raise a family. However restrictions on making renovations that significantly alter the appearance of the home are likely to apply.

Buying an older home, especially one with a great deal charm and a bit of history can be a great source of satisfaction and pride. Be sure to have a professional home inspector conduct a detailed inspection of the home and consider the cost, repair time and compliance issues. Serious home buyers will take consider these factors before making a decision to buy an older home.

Learn more about this author, Francis Jock.
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