NNJ 1930 home have steam radiator, HVAC in bedrooms, pipes wrapped in basement with asbestos?

coffeetime

Hi All!

We're basically trying to determine what extra home inspections or consultations we'd require from local inspectors/services in NNJ to try and avoid sudden costly repairs (someone in reddit said their inspection flagged the boiler as needing to be replaced and that caps were not on radiators- but after they bought their house they found out 1) most heating companies don't mess with steam. 2) the steam caps aren't removable but were broken after they moved in 3) the copper piping fix was not compatible with the steam radiator and corroded.... and they would have had a heating company consultation to try and negotiate for some credit for repairs.

ANYWAY the home: has steam radiators throughout. HVAC in bedrooms upstairs, pipes in basement have water pipes wrapped in white plastic material. natural gas boiler, sewer and public water, windows replaced ~2010, roof about the same time with solar installed.

Would the radiators or pipes need replacing? We're trying to be proactive, instead of reactive in the future.

Obviously, a 1930 home that's nearly a century old, will need repairs at some point. But we feel the craftsmanship of a 1930's home is superior to some quick flips or new construction homes.

Thank you very much and any feedback!

Sincerely,
an overthinking first time homebuyer
coffeetime

Steamhead

Unless they are leaking, you don't need to replace radiators.

Best thing to do is get a Steam Man to look the system over. There are a bunch of good ones in Jersey- @EzzyT , @clammy and @JohnNY come to mind.

Waher

@coffeetime Photos are helpful if you could post some.