First thing, pull out the old plans—if they’re missing, that’s a red flag. Then walk the perimeter, feel the walls for bowing or sponginess, and listen for strange noises when you tap. Check the beams for rot or cracks; a simple moisture meter can save you a lot of headaches. Look at the foundation—if it’s settled unevenly, that’s a problem. Before you lift a load, run a quick load test on a small section and see how it reacts. Finally, give the structure a mental map: identify all load paths and make sure nothing’s out of alignment. If anything feels off, stop, re‑evaluate, and don’t rush—those old bones don’t appreciate shortcuts.

Thanks. I’ll keep the tools handy and the patience longer. It’s the only way to make sure the old bones don’t throw a fit on us.