Sewer lines in mid-century modern homes had a design life of 50 years. These types of properties are well into their 50’s, and at this point it's highly likely the plumbing waste lines are rusting shut, blocked by  roots, and/or cracked and leaking. It may be required to replace the plumbing waste lines. When considering a home to purchase, we strongly recommend having the sewer lines scoped and inspected for defects that could affect the movement of sewage away from the property and to the city main line.

Rooms that are affected by remodel construction may be required to have their electrical components updated. Electrical panels and wiring in mid century modern homes are usually smaller and outdated for todays in-home appliance and technology requirements. Often times these older homes still have 2-wire (ungrounded) wiring and random outlets, switches, and appliances are often grouped. together on the same circuit. Current standards call for grounded wiring and separate circuits for different uses as well as GFCI outlets in wet areas and AFCI outlets in most other areas. To achieve current standards usually would require replacing the entire electrical system. Replacing electrical wiring in a house with wood paneled interior walls requires the removal and replacement of the wall panels and often times roof work as well, so if a full electrical replacement is desired it can trigger additional scope and construction costs.  

California Green Building Standards (“Calgreen”) requires ALL plumbing fixtures (toilets, shower  heads, and faucets) in a residence to be upgraded to meet current required flow rates whenever a building permit is issued for that residence. . Therefore, all non-conforming plumbing fixtures must be replaced as part of the first construction phase of Project, even in areas that aren't otherwise affected by construction. 

California has an energy code that requires most projects to achieve a certain benchmark for overall energy efficiency. Homes of this vintage with significant areas of glass can be challenging to get to comply; therefore additional work above and beyond the intended scope may be required to meet the energy code. Examples may be replacing additional windows, replacing water heaters, replacing boilers, thickening the insulation on the roof, or insulating walls.  

When it comes time to remodel your home or to search for one to buy, it’s crucial to have a Realtor who’s experienced with these types of homes and has the resources to identify any potential inspection or permitting issues. Call on our team to help you understand some of the common problem areas of even the most well-maintained properties.