Older home- built Pre 1990- in Central Naperville (new home, buying)

[livonian]

I am starting a new thread instead of adding to my previous.

All along in my life, I have lived in new homes and sold when more than 7 years old therefore I have developed a feeling that newer is better.

In Naperville, buying new home in desirable area is out my budget even when prices are down currently. I am on look out for houses of about 2500 to 3500 sq ft with finished basement. There are not many homes on market in central or 2 mile radius from downtown which are built after 2000.

Most houses currently listed in above sq ft range are built prior to 1990 and some people may be surprised that I call a 20 year house as "old". I see abundance use of Oak for door frames, cabinets and trims in such homes which is not my taste.

From structural and maintenance point of view, excluding the regular roof shingle replacements, are there any disadvantages compared to newer homes.

I have no problem in rennovating kitchen and bath to my choice if after 20 years I sell after retirement and get modest appreciation but not loss.

Please advise.

[chet everett]

OMG there are many homes from the 19th century in Naperville!!!

Honestly I would not call anything built post Reagan era "older" so much as "not brand new". Naperville has a very modern and thorough Building Dept. -- anything that was approved for occupancy was subjected to many inspections! Very strict on the smaller builders, a little more lax with the mass builders, so when you use an inspection service keep in mind that the mass subdivision actually needs a more detailed "double check".

Other than that no worries.

[AuDiBelle]

I actually prefer older homes to newer. They tend to be better built. And yes, I had to laugh that you call a 20 year old home "old" (no offense!). I wouldn't worry too much about quality of construction, because, as Chet said, Naperville has pretty strict building codes. If you're not adverse to doing some renovations, older homes have way more charm. JMO of course!