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What are some of the most significant changes that have taken place in home building in our beautiful state of NJ over the past 5 decades?
Everything from shapes/styles to piping to lot size to materials used etc etc
If I was looking at 5 different homes built in the 5 decades starting from the 1950s to 2000s, what are the significant upgrades/downgrades or advantages/disadvantages?
I couldn't say except most of the homes built post WWII are like cookie cutter developments totally lacking any charm, same goes for the McMansions, no charm...imo
I know they can be a money pit but I'd take a house built in late 1800's to right at the turn of the century any day
Lead paint. Electrical and plumbing standards. Just so many areas. But back in the 50's, the homes were build by contractors and not huge developers in many ways. Even the older developments were built better than many today.
But I think one of the bigger differences was the size. Back in the 50's, the homes were in many cases smaller by a significant degree. 1500 sf or so. Then the era of the huge 34500 sf home on a lot barely large enough to contain it. But the specific area could mean differences so the question is really vague in many ways.
Lead paint. Electrical and plumbing standards. Just so many areas. But back in the 50's, the homes were build by contractors and not huge developers in many ways. Even the older developments were built better than many today.
But I think one of the bigger differences was the size. Back in the 50's, the homes were in many cases smaller by a significant degree. 1500 sf or so. Then the era of the huge 34500 sf home on a lot barely large enough to contain it. But the specific area could mean differences so the question is really vague in many ways.
add to that heating and cooling..very few homes built back then had central ac
it seems like back in the old days people didnt care as much about the attractiveness of the house. they were just happy to have a cave to live in. nowadays even lower cost homes are built with at least a certain concern for beauty of the exterior.
The preference now, I think, is for an open floor plan, where the kitchen and dining rooms aren't walled off from each other, or from the living room. And they didn't have big center islands in kitchens back in the 1950s.
Suite style bathrooms and walk in closets are also much more the norm now.
As for exterior architecture, the 1980s/early '90s are the only decade that really stand out as far as a distinctive style. 'Modern' or 'contemporary' looking mcmansions with very angular, sharp silhouettes and geometric lines were trendy. 'Modern' now means a much more classical style, I think.
Newer generally means...
-bigger rooms
-bigger/more closets
-central air
-natural gas
-more electrical outlets per wall/room
-generally more airtight
-no chance of lead paint or asbestos
Most of the modern homes are much nicer, and obviously (assuming the older home hasn't been significantly remodeled) are going to be better compliant with the demands of people today in terms of plumbing/electrical/media/spaces by virtue of being newer.
On the other hand, older homes were usually built far better and sturdier.
On the other hand, older homes were usually built far better and sturdier.
id like to see evidence of this. i think this is more of something people like to say but doesnt hold up to reality.
"modern" style homes arent really common in nj. thats why my wife is set on building one from scratch for our next home.
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