Is this the fate of all trendy, builder-grade homes?
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Anonymous
some people can't think past paint, wood work and veneer finishes, the insides of the 1920s house has major problems to fix would need to tear it down. the new house just needs to change the veneer, paint, decor. people are dumb as they have no idea the house is more than just the veneer. |
Anonymous
again those are veneer, would you rather tear open the walls to add insulation, new wiring, replace copper pin leaks, sewer drain line replacement, raise the ceiling to be 9 foot+? |
Anonymous
It’s true, “transitional” is a big red flag for mid-brow, boring taste. See also: “timeless,” “spa-like,” “pop of color,” and 80% of the use of “classic.” |
Anonymous
This isn’t true. The houses in the deepest depths of “outdated” right now are 90’s McMansions. They have features like lawyer foyers, cat walks, cavernous living spaces with gigantic, stupid looking Palladian windows etc. Sure you can drywall around the decorative columns but a lot of what makes it dated is built into the house. I’m not saying those things are so horrible, and you can often get a great long term deal imo by buying the thing that’s not in fashion. But in terms of the market overall, it’s not an easy fix. |
Anonymous
again that's style not the core or bones of the house, 90s homes and newer are built substantially better than homes pre 1980 and so on |
Anonymous
You’re confused. I updated a 2000 house myself. I don’t have 9 foot ceilings (I wish!) I had to replace my air handlers, I need a new roof now… |
Anonymous
Well, OP, the only reasonable conclusion is that you are a much better person than your “friend” is. Well done. |
Anonymous
My grandmother had lived in a home from the 18th century for 60+ years. It’s beautiful. It also is a lot of upkeep, but she has it done. It is nicer than any new build or new custom home I have seen. The detail and workmanship from years past isn’t the same anymore. |
Anonymous
I agree the 90s McMansions are sort of beyond help. It goes beyond fixtures and design to layout and proportion, and I just have zero interest in living in a home with the proportions of a 90s McMansion. They also often have extremely weird acoustics due to the elements you mentioned -- the two story foyers, massive great rooms with open catwalks for upstairs hallways. And none of it is an easy fix without basically rebuilding the house. Plus in houses like that, even finishes can wind up being expensive to change out because there's so much square footage so putting in hard woods to replace tile and carpet, for instance, can be prohibitively expensive. But I think this is a different issue than what OP is talking about. I don't hear anyone complaining about the layouts or proportions of these farmhouse-style new builds. I've been in a bunch and while I don't always love the finishes, I think a lot more effort has gone into livability and function than in those old McMansions. And most of the higher end ones have real wood flooring and a lot of kitchen features that I don't think are going out of style -- walk in pantries, floor to ceiling cabinetry, good size islands with bar seating. I have friends who moved into a new build out in Falls Church a few years ago and we have gotten a ton of kitchen renovation ideas for it because I think the kitchen is *perfect*. It's not super trendy except maybe the color choice (dark blue cabinets) but everything else is pretty classic and I think is going to age pretty well. |
Anonymous
Prewar construction was overbuilt. Post war introduced levit towns and housing designed with a shelf life. The 1920s house will have been rewired and upgraded because it's likely in a desirable old street car and now inner suburb. After 100 years, nothing in the house will be builder grade anymore. On the other hand, everything in the 7 year old McMansion will be builder grade |
Anonymous
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You sound like a great ‘friend’.
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Anonymous
Homes built in the 1920s, like those of any era, may exhibit particular characteristics reflecting the design preferences, building materials, and construction techniques of the time. While these homes often have unique and charming architectural features, they may also come with a variety of downsides. It's essential to consider that some homes may have been upgraded or well-maintained, mitigating or negating some of these potential issues. 1. Structural Issues: Foundations might be shallower and less stable compared to those in modern homes. Homes may have settled over time, leading to uneven floors and structural concerns. Old building materials such as lath and plaster walls can be prone to cracking. 2. Outdated Systems and Materials: Electrical Systems: Many 1920s homes were outfitted with knob-and-tube wiring, which is outdated and can be a fire hazard. Plumbing: Old, corroded, or galvanized pipes can lead to poor water quality and pressure and can be prone to leaks. Insulation: Homes from this period often lack adequate insulation, leading to higher energy costs. HVAC Systems: Older homes may have outdated or non-existent heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, necessitating expensive upgrades. Lead Paint and Asbestos: Materials like lead-based paint and asbestos were commonly used and can pose significant health risks if disturbed. 3. Design Limitations: Many 1920s homes have smaller rooms and less open floor plans compared to contemporary homes, which might not suit modern living preferences. Closet and storage space are usually limited. Window sizes and natural lighting might not meet current preferences. 4. Maintenance and Repair: The age of the home often means more ongoing maintenance and repairs are necessary, which can be costly. Original wood elements, while charming, may require extensive care or restoration. Replacement parts for original fixtures and fittings can be difficult to find and expensive. 5. Energy Efficiency: Original windows and doors are likely to be single-glazed and poorly sealed, leading to heat loss. The lack of insulation and outdated systems can result in lower energy efficiency, making the home less environmentally friendly and more expensive to heat and cool. 6. Historical Preservation Restrictions: If the home is located in a historical district or has been designated as a historic property, there may be restrictions on renovations and alterations, limiting what owners can do to update or modify the home. 7. Cost: Due to their age, some 1920s homes may command a premium price due to their historical and architectural value. The costs associated with upgrading and maintaining a 1920s home can be substantial. Remediation Efforts: Many owners of homes from the 1920s undertake extensive renovations to address these downsides, upgrading electrical and plumbing systems, improving insulation, and updating interiors to better suit modern lifestyles. It is also common for owners to invest in preserving the historic character and architectural features of these homes, balancing modern convenience with historic charm. Remember, while these are general considerations, each home is unique, and not all 1920s homes will exhibit these downsides. Before purchasing an older home, it’s crucial to have it thoroughly inspected to understand the specific issues and potential costs involved. |
Anonymous
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A lot of posters are acting like your options are 100+ year old classic home or trendy new build.
But most homes on the market were built between 1950 and 2000. We are just starting to look now and almost everything is a ranch, split-level, or colonial built in the 60s or 70s. The areas we are looking don't have much from the 80s or 90s and what's there is mostly ranches and colonials -- I haven't seen a single soaring foyer or great room with vaulted ceiling. The building quality of those houses from the 60s and 70s varies. A lot of it is not great and the PP is right that if you built the exact same house with modern methods, you'd have a much sturdier home with more efficiency and less upkeep. There are a handful of older homes on the market but my interest varies a lot depending on when they did the update and what they did. I love the idea of a classic home with original wood, and updating to suit our style. But many of these houses have janky, weird updates from various parts of the last 50-60 years. A lot of that original wood has been painted over or replaced. Some are carpeted and we have no idea what's underneath or what condition it's in. Some have made unfortunate changes to chase trends, like "opening up" the living and kitchen areas to create one big room when it's clear the house was designed with separate spaces and I'd prefer that. I've also seen some beautifully renovated older homes, but then you are paying for the good bones AND the tasteful reno -- these are often the most expensive homes we see, and with good reason. I just don't have the impression that our only options are builder-grade new house or beautiful but unrenovated classic home. Most options are somewhere in the middle. |
Anonymous
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I live in a 80YO home, its been added to, deleted, modified, etc. People always comment how quaint, peaceful it looks but they are not dealing with the following:
- something always breaking - every damn day! - uneven and creaky floors - from all the additions, etc - plumbing issues - electric issues...cant run more than one thing at a time. - oil heat (costs a fortune) - no closets - dinky baths - always hot in the summer, and cold in summer - leaky basement (cellar) - stone foundation,full of holes - serves as long term home for rodents - racoons, birds, snakes, mice, you name it.. - dingy windows I can go on,,,, I will happily take any mcmansion, etc over my quaint home any day!! |
Anonymous
Old houses have high ceilings. And we had to replace a sewer drain line from a house built in 2000. |