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It's amazing how things are viewed different regionally. Where I am (CT) vinyl is common, even on houses over $500k. I've never heard of it being considered 'low end'. You see it on ranches, colonials, contemporaries, you name it.
When we sold our home in '05, the first thing the buyers did was vinyl side it. And I'm currently living in one of these mid-century ranches you're talking about : ) that is also vinyl sided (a rental).
Nynraleigh, your new house is looking nice, congratulations! It should be easy to maintain for years to come.
thank you, I am looking forward to moving day... 56 days, but who is counting...haha
You don't consider those 1960s, 1000sq ft houses, haven't been updated since then, to be an actual alternative do you? Sure you can find them, but you'd have to put in scores of time and money to actually have a nice home.
Hmmm, we just bought one. The brick exterior is still in great shape. The house does need some modernizing but has all hardwood floors and is in a great location on a good size lot. (And our mid-century thrift store furniture fits right in...)
I've owned (and updated) two 30-year old houses. I didn't do any of the work myself though - the challenge is finding good contractors. I wouldn't shy away from buying an older house that needs a little work as long as the location and lot were nice. I don't think I'd mess with major renovations or additions, but new cabinets and flooring in a kitchen isn't hard to get done at all. Wallpaper can be a nightmare though, as well as panelling that's glued to the wall instead of nailed (what a mess!).
Thanks, cooperwx. We really lucked into our house: in a good area of Chapel Hill for well under <$200K. I haven't seen anything remotely close for less than $220K. Thank goodness for the menancing dog in the MLS photo who scared everyone else away!
I've owned (and updated) two 30-year old houses. I didn't do any of the work myself though - the challenge is finding good contractors. I wouldn't shy away from buying an older house that needs a little work as long as the location and lot were nice. I don't think I'd mess with major renovations or additions, but new cabinets and flooring in a kitchen isn't hard to get done at all. Wallpaper can be a nightmare though, as well as panelling that's glued to the wall instead of nailed (what a mess!).
We've done everything you've mentioned ourselves. I've stripped cork off walls and wallpaper. DH removed panelling himself, but I don't remember if it was glued or nailed. We haven't attempted drywall yet. I've seen so many horror stories in my hood with contractors, it's not worth the aggravation if you can do it. Recently, DH designed and is almost finished with our Trex deck. We are going to try and purchase an 1800 - 2000 sqft ranch in RDU - plenty big enough for the two of us. Not all mid centuries are only 1,000 sqft. We won't buy with a two-story behind us. Our fear is having someone add a second level to a ranch and destroy our backyard privacy. The only solution I guess is to get a really large lot. LOL
Yeah, if I had a husband (or could kidnap my dad for a year!) I'd do the work myself. I had good luck finding people in Virginia, no idea how it is down here. You'd remember if the panelling was glued on - because the paper on your drywall would have been ruined (ugh). The worst task I attempted myself was removing ~120 12"x12" mirror tiles from a dining room wall (yay 70's!). Either that or putting 3 or 4 coats of Killz on a cigarette smoke stained swirled plaster ceiling! There are definitely some things I know to stay far, far away from in the future!
...In my opinion, the biggest negative about vinyl siding is that it cannot be painted so you're stuck with the same colors for a long long time. But then again, that's the biggest attraction, too!
We painted our first house, including the vinyl siding, before selling. It looked great! The house definitely looked newer.
I don't understand why people drive cheap compact cars like Toyota Echos or Saturn Ions. Have you taken a look at what those cars look like after 20 years? They're falling apart!!!
In my opinion, I think BMWs are much better. I don't know why everyone doesn't drive them. And they're only about $200/month more!
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thanks
updating houses
