[quote=Eugene]1989 is relatively new. Most serious problems that might require you to tear down walls in order to fix them (asbestos, steel plumbing, no ground wire in electrical outlets) are only present in houses older than 1970 or so. In a 1989 house, major risks include inadequate insulation, 20-year-old appliances, slightly off-vertical walls (not enough to be seen with a naked eye, but enough to make any attempt to install new doors or crown moldings a serious PITA).[/quote]
I think the house has to be much older than the 80s to make the wall not vertical enough to make it a serious PITA to install new doors and crown moldings. My house was built in 1982 and I installed all new doors & crown molding myself with ease. After the first one, I was averaging 30 min. per door (w/out doing molding on the door.
Regarding the OP’s question, depending on if the appliances were replace or not, be prepared to install new water heater and furnace and/or AC. If they haven’t been replaced yet, 21 years is pretty much near their end of life. Regular water heater (~$1k), furnace (~$2500), AC (~$3500).
