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Old 04-24-2008, 08:37 AM
 
67 posts, read 335,758 times
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Ramblers in Fairfax, Centreville, etc. are over 40 years old. I hear most are in major disrepair. Anyone do a tear down and rebuild? Or just gut to the bone and refinish the inside? What are the major drawbacks? Other than no gas for my BBQ?

We are torn between a brand new home out a ways OR attempt a major "do it yourself" project. I have seen "tear downs" or empty lots going for >300k. Seems a bit high considering the work necessary to get a home back into shape.

Opinions? Experience?
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Old 04-24-2008, 08:46 AM
 
Location: -
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I would not tear down a brick structure....
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Old 04-24-2008, 08:48 AM
 
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I would suggest driving through parts of North Springfield to see if this approach to home building is right for you. Check out the homes off Leesville Rd or Hanover st. There are even some custom homes in Ravensworth Farms.

Good luck!
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Old 04-24-2008, 08:51 AM
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VEIK View Post
I would not tear down a brick structure....
I agree. Add on/improve with respect to the architecture of the neighborhood, yes. Tear down, no.
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Old 04-24-2008, 12:24 PM
 
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Are you kidding? There are tons and tons of ranchs in this area over 50 yrs old remodeled and/or in beautiful shape - especially the all brick ones - the new homes dont even come close - they all have tons of stairs - one level living is great!
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Old 04-24-2008, 01:25 PM
 
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In Falls Church you can see people fixing up some of them, look really nice.

You cant beat brick for long life.
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Old 04-24-2008, 01:40 PM
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fairfax Mom View Post
Are you kidding? There are tons and tons of ranchs in this area over 50 yrs old remodeled and/or in beautiful shape - especially the all brick ones - the new homes dont even come close - they all have tons of stairs - one level living is great!

I couldn't agree more. We bought our home (a 40 year old split foyer) about 10 years ago. Over the years we've replaced windows, siding, roof, redone the kitchen and the baths. Next we'll refinish the hardwoods. We have a nice fenced in yard for the kids and our golden retriever to play in. If we ever want to build on we have plenty of room to do it. Right now, we are just enjoying our solid, maintenance free house and fairly low mortgage payment.

There are lots of homes like ours out there on the market. Check it out.
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Old 04-24-2008, 01:59 PM
 
Location: Huntersville/Charlotte, NC and Washington, DC
26,678 posts, read 41,512,884 times
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Most of the ramblers in Alexandria are in good condition. Way overvalued in my opinion but in good condition.
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