Old House Hazards (houses, asbestos, home inspector)

[keeponmovn]

I've never lived anywhere with so many older homes. I think it's great that so many are still being taken care of and inhabitable. I love seeing older cars on the road too. The thing is, I am a bit concerned about the hazards of older homes. Some of the ones that I have looked at have 6-10" white tiles for ceilings that just scream asbestos to me. I am pretty sure that 1/4" thick layer of paint that they slathered on was done in hopes of containing the old lead paint. Too bad it sealed the windows shut. Now, I'm starting to wonder about those old pipes... lead? Thankfully, they did upgrade the wiring. I guess that's why we hire inspectors.

Again, I am new to 100yr old houses. Are my concerns genuine? Is it all part of the charm?

[Ted Bear]

Yes, it pays to be leery. Not everything is a disaster, but you want to get things tested before you plop down your cash.

[DubbleT]

Educate yourself and consider the lifestyle you plan. Asbestos and lead paint are primarily a hazard if you expose them with remodeling or repair, or if maybe you have a young child that might pick at the paint, etc. The fact that those materials may be present isn't necessarily dangerous in and of itself, although personally I'd skip an older house that had the windows painted shut.
OTOH I switched out my water pipes for PEX as soon as I moved into my 1950's house. Your home inspector should be able to tell you about the pipes, mine did. Cost me a couple thousand to replace them all, could be a price negotiation point for you.

[creeksitter]

There are plenty of newer homes in JC if the old houses concern you. To each their own.