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Anonymous wrote:My friend moved into a brand new build in 2016. It was so trendy and in style, I remember being so envious.

She recently informed me she’s moving back home and put her house up for sale. Nosily, I went in search of the listing on Zillow and I was in SHOCK by how dated everything looked, and it’s only been 7 years!

We live in a nearly 100yo home that we classically updated in a transitional style back in 2009, and I’m blown away by the comparison. Those cheap builder-grade on-trend elements just don’t age well. What a shame!

I’m just trying to imagine all the modern farm houses and those black and white shiplap-style houses in ten years.

cool story. You know those "trendy" things that make farmhouse are just veneer and can be changed easily, with less effort and cost than rehabbing a 100-year-old shi!shack. In fact you admit yourself that the 100 year old shi!tshack needed rehabbing which includes core systems, building code, and you can't change things like ceiling heights, waterproofing, layouts as easily

I'll take a 1920s sh!tstack that has 100 years worth of maintenance and upgrades over a 7 year old builder grade home

All day long.

New build is absolute garbage.

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.

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 The houses in the deepest depths of “outdated” right now are 90’s McMansions.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.

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

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

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 wrote:You sound like a great ‘friend’.

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Anonymous wrote:This is a pretty aggressive thread for a home design comment.

DCUM may be a toxic cesspool, but it's our toxic cesspool!

Anonymous wrote:This is a pretty aggressive thread for a home design comment.