Short answerExpect aging systems and some era specific items: aluminum branch wiring in some homes built 1965 to 1973, Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels, lead paint, possible asbestos in flooring, galvanized pipe, cast iron drains, and block basement water history. Most are normal for the age and fixable. Structural movement and active water deserve a specialist before your deadline.
What is normal for the age, and what is serious?
| Finding | Normal or serious | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Two prong outlets, no GFCI | Normal for the age | Negotiate repair or credit |
| Aluminum branch wiring | Real risk, fixable | Electrician and insurance check |
| Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel | Commonly replaced | Electrician quote, negotiate |
| Galvanized supply pipe | Aging, plan to replace | Plumber estimate; budget |
| Cast iron drain, mature trees | Unknown until scoped | Sewer camera scope |
| Horizontal crack or bowing block wall | Serious until checked | Structural engineer |
| Peeling paint | Common; FHA requires repair | Repair before closing |
What should I look at during the showing?
The panel label, two prong outlets, water pressure at an upstairs tap, basement walls for stains and fresh paint, and the age stickers on the furnace and water heater.
Which specialists are worth it?
Electrician for wiring or panel questions, sewer scope, radon test, and a structural engineer if the walls move.
First five years budget
| Item | Planning estimate | Source |
|---|---|---|
| GFCI or AFCI protection | $120 to $400 per location | W |
| Electrical panel replacement, 100 to 150 amp | $1,400 to $2,400 | W |
| Aluminum wiring connector repair, whole house | $2,000 to $8,000 | P |
| Water heater replacement, 40 gallon tank | $1,490 to $1,860 | W |
| Furnace replacement | $3,800 to $7,500 | W |
| Furnace and air conditioner together | $8,500 to $14,500 | W |
| Roof replacement, asphalt shingle | About $5,600 to $19,400 in Indiana, averaging about $7,400 | P |
| Grading and gutter correction | $500 to $5,000 grading; $1,200 to $4,500 seamless gutters | W |
| Basement interior drain tile and sump system | $3,000 to $7,000 | P |
| Radon mitigation system | $800 to $2,000 | P |
| Sewer line replacement, open trench | $80 to $180 per foot | P |
| Septic tank pumping | $250 to $500 | P |
| Well pump replacement | $1,200 to $3,000 | P |
W means Wardmark Property Operations pricing dated June to September 2026. P means published Indiana cost estimates gathered November 2026 (This Old House, AskDoss, Indiana radon cost guides, Summers Plumbing Heating and Cooling, NeedSeptic, AJ Long Electric). Local contractors may price differently.
Full detail on any house age: what a home inspection may find. Seller view: what may be flagged when you sell a 1970s house.
Frequently asked questions
Is aluminum wiring a reason to skip a house?
Not usually. Price the repair, check insurance, and negotiate.
Should I scope the sewer line on a 1970s house?
It is worth considering, especially with cast iron drains or mature trees near the line.
Keep reading
Looking at a house and not sure what you are getting into?
Ask for a free Before You Offer review. Send me the listing. I look over the photos, the seller's disclosure, and recent sales, then flag likely condition issues and planning cost ranges before you write an offer.
Request a Before You Offer reviewOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email john@yourpropertynegotiator.com.
The Before You Offer review is a REALTOR® and contractor review of the listing, not a home inspection. It is for buyers who are not already working with an agent. If you have an agent, please bring these questions to your agent.
Sources
- This Old House, Cost of a Roof Replacement in Indiana, May 2026
- AskDoss, Basement Waterproofing Cost in Indiana, 2026
- Radon Ready Guide, Indiana Radon Mitigation, 2026
- Summers Plumbing Heating and Cooling, Indiana sewer and well pump pricing, 2026
- NeedSeptic, Septic Tank Pumping Cost in Indiana, 2026
- AJ Long Electric, aluminum wiring remediation pricing, 2026
- Wardmark Property Operations pricing, June to September 2026
Written by John Long, REALTOR®, 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate. Working contractor who has priced hundreds of home inspection repair requests. Former labor relations negotiator for a major manufacturer and U.S. Coast Guard veteran.
John Long, REALTOR® · 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate · (812) 525-5489 · yourpropertynegotiator.com
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional home inspection, and not legal, tax, insurance, or lending advice. Ask a real estate attorney about contracts and disclosure, a CPA about taxes, your lender about loan rules, and a licensed inspector or tradesperson about your house. Nothing here guarantees a sale price, net proceeds, repair cost, payment, timeline, appraisal, inspection result, or loan approval. Cost figures are planning estimates, not bids. I own Wardmark Property Operations LLC, a contracting company. You are always free to use any contractor you choose.