Namom asked:
What are the pros/cons of buying an older home and restoring the character and history of the home and buying a newer home? I like the first option but not sure about the hazards of older homes? I would really like the challenge of restoring a craftsman-style home over the years but I want all the information I can get before embarking on this challenge!
Jean
What are the pros/cons of buying an older home and restoring the character and history of the home and buying a newer home? I like the first option but not sure about the hazards of older homes? I would really like the challenge of restoring a craftsman-style home over the years but I want all the information I can get before embarking on this challenge!
Jean
{ 4 comments }
If you go with older home, you buy the previous tenant problems, plus restoring some old woodwork can be very pricey. Depending on the age of the home, you may also have lead in the piping, or even asbestos in the walls. You may have termites and rodents, cracked foundations, leaks.
With a new home, you dictate what materials to use depending on your budget. Unfortuantely, it hard to live in an unfinished home while you gradually build it up as you could with some older homes. Homes built today will be inspected to conform with all state and local codes, for wiring and plumbing, materials and so on so forth.
I’d love more than anything to restore and older home becuase I feel that they just don’t build houses as sturdy as they once did. But then again, the materials and labor was a lot less expensive in say 1910 as it would be now.
Pros are the pleasure of doing it yourself and loving what you have done. Older homes have so much character and beauty and you will have the pride of ownership.
Cons are it could cost you much more than you expect. It might take more time than you expect and with older homes things are constantly breaking down if the house was not well maintained. If you are doing an accurate restoration it might take time to find replacement parts. If the house is in complete disrepair you could actually be rebuilding the house. To me it’s too much of an expense, but you are not me. Whatever your decision, I wish you luck.
Funny you should ask! I have the perfect solution. I have a completely restored craftsman cottage for sale. All new plumbing,wiring,HVAC, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, etc.
I’ve been restoring homes for the past 27 years and I don’t recommend living in them while restoring them. You can check out the house @ Gaforsalebyowner.com area code 30233 price $238,000
Check these books out first.
The Not So Big House and Creating the Not So Big House both by Sarah Susanka.
I think you are going to be surprised by a new way of thinking.