Maintaining a 100-year-old Craftsman means a steady yearly routine: watch for water, care for exterior wood, monitor systems and schedule professional work when needed. I’m Justin Borges, a Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley realtor. I tell buyers to plan for ongoing attention to the roof, gutters, foundation, plumbing, electrical equipment and windows, rather than treating upkeep as one big job.
Craftsman homes can be found in Pasadena’s Bungalow Heaven. The reward is living with the details that drew you to the house. The tradeoff is paying attention to them. Before an offer, read the inspection reports closely and identify findings that need a specialist, completed work and records the seller can provide. An older house can have a mixture of original materials and later repairs; its actual condition matters more than its age alone.
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What should the yearly calendar look like?
I use the seasons as reminders and adjust the schedule to the house and the inspection findings. A small notebook with photos, dates, invoices and contractor findings gives you something useful to compare when a stain or crack catches your eye again. Keep receipts and equipment instructions together, and record who performed a repair and what was done. That record helps you distinguish a recurring problem from an old mark and gives the next professional useful context.
| When | What to look at |
|---|---|
| Before the rainy season | Check gutters, downspouts, roof edges and drainage paths; arrange roof or chimney work identified by a professional. |
| Spring | Look for moisture after rain, peeling paint, damaged wood and changes around the foundation. |
| Summer heat | Review cooling equipment and filters, look at sun-exposed wood and check windows and doors for sticking or gaps. |
| Fall | Clear accumulated debris, review heating and fireplace readiness, and revisit the drainage plan before storms. |
A yearly calendar keeps routine observations visible alongside a roof, pest or structural assessment. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly and check filters monthly or as recommended. If a leak is active, deal with it when it appears instead of waiting for its season. For the broader ownership decision, see what it is really like to own a Craftsman.
If you are weighing a particular Pasadena home, call me at (213) 262-5092 and we can talk through the inspection questions.
What should I watch on the roof and around the chimney?
From the ground, look for displaced roofing, debris, staining under eaves and gutters pulling away from the house. Follow each downspout to see where water goes. The goal is to find the path of water before it reaches vulnerable wood or collects beside the foundation. Keep the gutter and drainage observations together so a roofer or drainage professional can see the pattern. During or after rain, notice overflowing gutters, pooling near the house and stains on interior ceilings. Photograph a concern and ask a roofer to assess it; I would not treat a ground-level look as proof that a roof is sound.
Ask the roofer about flashing where the roof meets walls, penetrations and the chimney. Have a qualified chimney professional assess the fireplace and flue before use, especially if its history is unclear. Ask for the condition of the masonry, cap and flashing, and whether cleaning or repairs are recommended. Put roof and chimney questions into the inspection period before an offer becomes final. A monthly alarm test is another item to put on the calendar.
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How do I care for exterior wood and old paint?
Walk around the porch, siding, trim and exposed roof edges. Look for peeling paint, open joints, soft or damaged wood and places where water appears to linger. Note what you see without scraping or sanding an unknown coating. Pay particular attention to joints and exposed porch elements where damaged paint and moisture can appear together. Photograph the area and include its location in your maintenance notes. A paint issue can be a clue to moisture underneath, so ask the contractor to investigate the cause before simply covering it.
For a home built before 1978, peeling paint calls for a lead-safe plan. The EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting program (checked 2026-11-05) describes certification requirements for paid work that disturbs painted surfaces and explains that its rule generally does not apply to owners working on their own homes, subject to exceptions. Ask the firm about certification, containment and cleanup before work starts. The relevant federal regulation is 40 CFR Part 745, Subpart E.
Caulk and paint can be part of maintenance, but they do not resolve every source of water entry. Ask a qualified contractor which joints need attention and whether damaged material can be repaired. For pre-1978 paint, make the lead-safe plan before any scraping or sanding. If you want help interpreting a finding in the context of a purchase, text me.
What belongs on the foundation and drainage checklist?
Start outside by watching the route water takes from the roof and across the yard. Look for pooling beside the foundation, soil or debris against wood, and changes in visible cracks. Inside, note new sticking doors, uneven areas or moisture marks. A photograph is a useful record, but it cannot tell you on its own whether movement is significant.
Ask an inspector to examine accessible crawlspace and foundation areas for moisture, damaged wood and signs of pests. Get a pest inspection or a structural engineer involved when the findings call for one. I ask where the moisture is coming from, whether the area needs further access and which repair should happen first. Our foundation guide gives buyers more questions to ask. Use the investigation-contingency window in your offer to arrange any needed follow-up and review the results.
Ready to move forward? Let's talk.
What should I monitor in old plumbing and electrical systems?
Under sinks and around fixtures, look for drips, staining, corrosion and signs of past patching. Pay attention to changes in flow and recurring drain problems, then tell a plumber what you observed. An inspector may identify galvanized supply pipes or cast-iron drain lines, but the material name alone does not establish the condition of every section. Ask what was visible, what was replaced and whether a further plumbing inspection is warranted. See what a plumbing inspection can find.
For electrical, ask the inspector what wiring and panel equipment are visible and whether further evaluation is recommended. Knob-and-tube wiring may be identified in an older house; an electrician should evaluate any concerns and the scope of work. Do not open a panel or disturb wiring as a routine owner check. A tripping breaker, damaged outlet or other electrical concern deserves professional attention rather than a guess about its cause.
For heating and cooling, the DOE Energy Saver Guide (checked 2026-11-05) recommends cleaning or replacing filters monthly or as recommended and keeping registers clear. Explore heating and cooling without ductwork if the existing system does not fit your needs. Monthly filter checks, or the schedule recommended for your equipment, belong on the calendar. For a specific home, call me at (213) 262-5092.
How should I look after wood windows, doors and floors?
Open and close windows and doors carefully and note sticking, loose hardware, drafts, damaged glazing or soft frames. A wood window specialist can explain which components are repairable and whether weatherstripping makes sense. Before replacing a window, ask about the existing assembly and any applicable local review. Repair can preserve a detail you value. Get a repair assessment before choosing replacement.
For floors, watch for moisture, loose boards and changes near exterior doors or plumbing. Identify the source of water before planning a finish repair. Record which door or fixture is nearby and whether the mark changes after rain or regular use; that detail can help an inspector trace the source. Avoid assuming that every uneven board means a foundation problem; ask an inspector to evaluate changes in context. The DOE guide (checked 2026-11-05) includes weatherstripping doors and windows among its air-sealing measures. Our energy efficiency guide and storage guide cover other everyday tradeoffs. Add window and door checks to the yearly calendar and use the findings to prioritize repairs.
Ready to move forward? Let's talk.
What safety checks should stay on the calendar?
The CPSC guidance (checked 2026-11-05) recommends smoke alarms on every level, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas, and carbon monoxide alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas. California law (Health and Safety Code 17926, checked 2026-11-05) requires an owner to install a carbon monoxide device in a home with a fossil-fuel-burning heater or appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage, so a Craftsman with a gas furnace or fireplace needs one. Test both monthly. Replace batteries at least yearly unless the alarm has sealed 10-year batteries, and replace smoke alarms more than 10 years old. Follow each device’s instructions too.
Before attic work, the EPA (checked 2026-11-05) says to assume vermiculite contains asbestos, leave it undisturbed and hire an asbestos professional before work that would disturb it.
Test both types of alarms monthly and replace smoke alarms more than 10 years old. If you are deciding which inspection to request, text me with the question.
Which jobs can an owner handle, and when should a pro take over?
An owner can keep records, observe accessible areas, test alarms and tend equipment filters according to instructions. For roof access, chimney concerns, electrical work, significant plumbing, structural questions and suspected hazardous materials, bring in the appropriate professional. Ask for a written scope that identifies the problem, the proposed work and who will handle permits. Keep the records with the house.
There is no reliable flat annual cost or time commitment in the sources for this guide. Make a list of the work identified in your inspection, separate immediate repairs from routine care, and request written bids for the larger jobs. A bid should specify the work, proposed schedule and permit responsibilities so you can compare what each contractor actually plans to do. For a buyer, this also turns an inspection finding into a practical question: can the work fit your budget and plans?
The California Contractors State License Board (checked 2026-11-05) explains the minor-work exemption and its limits: a license is required even below the $1,000 threshold if a permit is required or the unlicensed person hires workers. Verify the license and ask the city about the actual scope. Pasadena’s permit guidance (checked 2026-11-05) says most construction projects require a building permit. Confirm requirements with the city before work begins.
A written bid supplies the price and proposed schedule for a specific repair; check the city’s fee schedule for applicable permit costs. Before buying, use the Craftsman inspection guide to organize questions within your investigation-contingency window.
Ready to move forward? Let's talk.
What else do owners ask about Craftsman maintenance?
What should I check first after buying a Craftsman?
Start with the inspection report, the roof and drainage, visible moisture, and the condition of the plumbing and electrical systems. Ask the relevant professionals to clarify urgent findings and establish a baseline for future work.
Can I repaint peeling exterior trim myself?
First consider whether the old paint may contain lead. EPA rules for paid renovation work in homes built before 1978 generally require certified firms, and lead-safe practices matter even when an owner’s own work is exempt. Ask a qualified professional before disturbing the paint.
How often should I test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms?
The CPSC recommends testing both monthly. It also recommends replacing batteries at least yearly unless the alarm has sealed 10-year batteries, and replacing smoke alarms over 10 years old. California law (Health and Safety Code 17926, checked 2026-11-05) requires an owner to install a carbon monoxide device in a home with a fossil-fuel-burning heater or appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage, so a Craftsman with a gas furnace or fireplace needs one.
For help with a maintenance question, text me.
Should I replace original wood windows?
Not automatically. Have their condition assessed, including the sash, glazing, frames and operation. Ask a specialist whether repair and weatherstripping can address the problem before deciding on replacement.
Who should inspect a Craftsman’s foundation and crawlspace?
A qualified inspector can assess accessible areas and recommend a structural engineer or other specialist when the findings warrant it. Ask about drainage, moisture, wood damage and evidence of pests as well as cracks.
Does every maintenance job require a licensed contractor?
No. Owners can handle some observation and routine care. A license is required even below the $1,000 minor-work threshold if a permit is required or the unlicensed person hires workers. Confirm the scope and license before hiring.
For pre-1978 paint, plan for lead safety before disturbing the surface.
For help planning the questions around a home you are considering, call me at (213) 262-5092.
Sources
- U.S. EPA, Renovation, Repair and Painting Program, checked 2026-11-05
- U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Saver Guide, checked 2026-11-05
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Guidance, checked 2026-11-05
- California Health and Safety Code section 17926, checked 2026-11-05
- California Contractors State License Board, Industry Bulletin 24-07, checked 2026-11-05
- City of Pasadena, Apply for Permit, checked 2026-11-05
- U.S. EPA, Protect Your Family from Asbestos-Contaminated Vermiculite Insulation, checked 2026-11-05
Justin Borges
Team Lead, The Borges Real Estate TeamDRE #01940318
With over 13 years in Southern California real estate, Justin specializes in probate sales, trust properties, and character homes. His expertise in 1031 exchanges and historic preservation has helped hundreds of clients navigate complex real estate transactions.