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I see quite a few of these starter homes that are built around here for about $80,000. Often these houses look pretty bland when they are first constructed, but after about 2 years they look like they have 20 years of wear on them. Fieldstone and KB's cheaper homes come to mind.
Also, homes like this that were built in the late 90's/early 00's look like they're about to fall down.
What is the life expectancies of these homes when they are first built? Are they the slums of tomorrow? Will they just get demolished in 20 years?
Any house that isnt cared for will age early. I own a "starter" home that was built in 1968. It's brick but is small..1,200 sq ft, with three small bedrooms, two very small baths and a one-car garage. Thirty years ago the tax appraisal was $40,000. Today it's $85,000 but, of course, the market doesnt support that high a value.
My house has held up very well. I've maintained it well and have upgraded in some cases...new windows, large paver patio, plantation shutters, new flooring, all new tiling in the bath areas, etc. I've overspent on upgrades for this area but I dont care..I did it all for me, not for resale value.
Many are built with a design target of 50 years... inexpensive materials and components usually don't have service life much longer.
I have a fairly large home built on an expensive lot using a higher end plan but it was constructed with economical materials in many cases so at ten years the maintenance is more than I anticipated.
Many are built with a design target of 50 years... inexpensive materials and components usually don't have service life much longer.
I have a fairly large home built on an expensive lot using a higher end plan but it was constructed with economical materials in many cases so at ten years the maintenance is more than I anticipated.
So, it's true that they don't make them like they used to! Your post makes a good argument for buying the 100 year old houses instead of new construction.
My 1949 house seems run down but is built like a rock! I don't think they do make them like they used to. But I agree that any home can be renovated and kept up. maybe not all are worth it, but I'm no expert. Would LOVE an $80,000 house though. Things cost at least double that here.
I am alomst thinking houses are like cars. You let them go "duct taping them" and it will hurt you in the end (feeling that on my commuter vehicle now )
Actually, having been in construction off and on for my whole adult life, I am firmly in the camp of "They don't make 'em like they used to." New homes are thrown together nowadays, and there is no craftsmanship in 99.9% of them. There are the few carpenters out there that still take pride in their work, but most seem to be in it just for the money.
So, it's true that they don't make them like they used to! Your post makes a good argument for buying the 100 year old houses instead of new construction.
You wouldn't catch me living in a house built after 1970!
My "starter" home is a 1915 Arts & Crafts bungalow, which was a steal (probably because so many people in my age bracket of late twenties, early thirties, who would be looking for a first home of that size, are predominantly of the mentality that new=good, old=bad). Holding up just fine, and anything that didn't has been long since replaced and remodeled...good, solid bones, real building products made to last, not disposable, replaceable crap...not plywood and particleboard.
I was raised by a carpenter and contractor who specialized in rehabbing and retrofitting vintage homes. I grew up in my parents' "starter" home...an 1860s farmhouse they gutted and rehabbed and added on to and live in forty years later. I know the difference between classic, solid construction and cheap, crap construction. I shake my head at people who buy quicky construction in new subdivisions, and think they've gotten something of real quality because it's "new."
A first home doesn't have to be junk. There is affordable quality construction available if you look.
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