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Stonebridge and that area are an excellent option for 1984-1999 homes under $500K on large lots. Those built before 1992 will largely have 8 ft ceilings and more traditional layouts (formal spaces not open concept, smaller master bathrooms)
Masonite siding and polybutylene pipes (if not already remediated)?
Masonite siding and polybutylene pipes (if not already remediated)?
I believe there is a fair amount of brick in Stonebridge; I tried to use street view from Google Maps but couldn't see the houses due to the trees. Even if masonite was originally installed, after 30 years it is either well maintained or has been replaced with hardiplank. Polybutylene pipes, if that is what they used, will also have survived for quite some time, so I don't know if that is or isn't a concern.
What years were polybutylene pipes used? Were they standard in all homes built during a certain period?
Stonebridge looks lovely, but Millbrook HS does not seem to get very good reviews. Any insight?
Polybutylene water supply lines were widely used between 1986--1997, but were not "standard."
Some builders never used them. Some builders used them on all their houses.
Your buyers' agent should easily be able to identify the water supply line materials in any house you seriously consider, before you invest yourself. And, don't rely on property disclosures. Only on what is observed onsite.
If you look in a tract home neighborhood, developed and built-out by one major production builder, it is likely that all of the homes of that age were plumbed with polybutylene water lines.
If you like a home, and it is in your price range comfortably, polybutylene should not be a deal breaker. It is generally cheaper to replumb a home with polybutylene than it is to replace bad masonite siding. Often, much cheaper.
Polybutylene water supply lines were widely used between 1986--1997, but were not "standard."
Some builders never used them. Some builders used them on all their houses.
Your buyers' agent should easily be able to identify the water supply line materials in any house you seriously consider before you invest yourself. And, don't rely on property disclosures. Only on what is observed onsite.
If you look in a tract home neighborhood, developed and built-out by one major production builder, it is likely that all of the homes of that age were plumbed with polybutylene water lines.
If you like a home, and it is in your price range comfortably, polybutylene should not be a deal breaker. It is generally cheaper to replumb a home with polybutylene than it is to replace bad masonite siding. Often, much cheaper.
Thank you! Important info to have. Had no idea. So, is a tract home neighborhood, like a cookie-cutter type subdivision, where all the houses are built by one builder and are pretty much identical?
Thank you! Important info to have. Had no idea. So, is a tract home neighborhood, like a cookie-cutter type subdivision, where all the houses are built by one builder and are pretty much identical?
Well, yes, although "pretty much identical" is an oversimplification.
I'm in a neighborhood built by one builder. They had about 5 models, and various front elevations. So, it isn't hard to discern the models.
The styles and design features are common across the model line, however.
I bought a 1997 house and wish a little I'd have looked closer at things. The only worn out stuff was the windows and fence though so I lucked out.
I just say this because yes, the "bad" products used back in 80s and 90s were Masonite siding and polybutylene piping. I'd also look at:
Deck and railings (are they original)
Fence if there is one
How old is the HVAC
Windows (do they have rot, how hard are they to open)
Roof age
Grass and trees (tree trimming or removal is not cheap)
That's not to say if anything is original or is Masonite, run away screaming...just stuff nice to know budgetwise. And sometimes we focus more on the appliances and countertops and ignore above stuff.
Polybutylene water supply lines were widely used between 1986--1997, but were not "standard."
Some builders never used them. Some builders used them on all their houses.
Your buyers' agent should easily be able to identify the water supply line materials in any house you seriously consider, before you invest yourself. And, don't rely on property disclosures. Only on what is observed onsite.
If you look in a tract home neighborhood, developed and built-out by one major production builder, it is likely that all of the homes of that age were plumbed with polybutylene water lines.
If you like a home, and it is in your price range comfortably, polybutylene should not be a deal breaker. It is generally cheaper to replumb a home with polybutylene than it is to replace bad masonite siding. Often, much cheaper.
FWIW, I resided my mother's house in North Ridge a few years ago. I replaced the masonite with hardiplank for about 14K. This included painting all of her trim. Since her house is brick on the lower level, I only had to replace the upper floor and the gable end of the lower floor.
FWIW, I resided my mother's house in North Ridge a few years ago. I replaced the masonite with hardiplank for about 14K. This included painting all of her trim. Since her house is brick on the lower level, I only had to replace the upper floor and the gable end of the lower floor.
Right, 14k isn't bad! Good to know it's not too expensive and sounds like the plumbing is fixable, as well.
My current home in NY is 100 years old, so used to doing lots of replacing. Although, they don't build 'em like that anymore! I am willing to fix things like siding, plumbing, etc if the price is reflective of all that needs to be done and the location and lot size are good. Would rather a smaller, older house on a nice lot in a great location, rather than a new build. During my last visit, drove out to Holly Springs to a very popular golf neighborhood, where a couple of people I know bought...was def not for me! Think I am sticking to Cary or North Raleigh.
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