Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Karen, I had to laugh reading all the replies to your post. Of course, the contractor/builder would have played a huge part in the quality of the house you are considering to buy, but in reality, a house built in the 60's is probably more structurally sound than ones built within the last 20 years. Have you ever watched most homes being built anymore and saw the quality of work and materials? I am a senior and have been around construction all my life and believe me, I would purchase a home much quicker that was built years ago versus the newer ones. I challenge you to compare a new house to an older home as far as structure, etc.
Absolutely , check out all the electrical, plumbing etc that is mentioned in prior posts, but don't be fooled by all the glitz of the newer homes. Give them a few years and then compare quality. I am not saying ALL newer homes aren't quality, but believe me I know the difference and most can't compare with the quality before.
Did you ever watch trusses being built on site versus those brought in on "BIG" trucks? Have you walked across the floors in a newer home and felt them "give"because of the joists? The same for shower enclosures? How about walking up staircases and the rails are "wobbly"? Have you ever felt the weight and tried the mechanisms of the older windows & doors compared to the newer? Better yet, have you watched today's roofer that was yesterday's plumber..
As I said in my prior post, my comments are general from what I have seen , and certainly not in all cases. There are exceptions. Much depends on the specific contractor/builder.
Because it's not dangerous until you sand it and/or eat it. Using proper prep procedures when painting -- and not putting paint chips in your mouth -- makes the problem negligible.
Also remember that most leaded paints were glossier paints used only on trim. Paint on the walls under wallpaper is not likely to contain lead. Not to mention that when you remove the wallpaper, it's most likely to be wet and lead dust will not scatter when it's wet. Again, using proper prep procedures negates any potential harm.
Either don't be so paranoid, or don't buy an old house. It's that simple.
Thanks for answering.
I'm certified and licensed to test for lead based paint, dust and soil. I also search out why children have elevated blood lead levels. While I agree you should take precautions as you mentioned, it is only part of the total problem.
IMHO, you should study more ... a lot more, before suggesting the things you are suggesting.
My 2 cents
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
