Thinking of purchasing an older 1980's home, I need some positives and negatives (Englewood: for sale, 2014)

[City Guy997S]

Originally Posted by Michael Koester

50s-70s homes were pretty conservative, simple roofs, relatively modest layouts/floor plans, rectangular windows and common sense inspired. The 80s brought about unnecessarily complex roofing systems with lots of weak points due to the styling, vaulted ceilings, alcoves, symbolic fireplaces (for florida), bay windows (wood framed weak points), jacuzzis that barely get used, complex lighting designs, a big drop in hurricane clip/strap installation quality. Basically, they went big in the 80s and with it the folleys of trying something new.

If you look at modern 2000s/2010s homes, they have gone back to the style of the 1960s in their simplicity largely. Simple hip roofs, much fewer wacky features, more energy efficient due to lack of wasted space. In my opinion, the 1960s houses got it right and the modern houses are their true successors.

70's-80's is the Mike Brady era..........California contemporary attempt to make the ranch houses look fancy

[Michael Koester]

Originally Posted by bbronston

Thanks... I understand what you mean about the changes in design aspects but I wasn’t aware that there are inherent design flaws in those changes. If I read you correctly, it’s not just material deficiencies that you’ve found, it’s actual construction and design deficiencies. I suppose that makes sense since the post-Andrew codes seemed to target many of those changes. Thanks for your insight.

It comes down to more features equaling a greater risk of something going wrong. The same is true for custom builder mansions vs a standard Neal home. While the Neal buyer might have issues with the cosmetics, the custom home has a greater chance of major issues because they are low build volume and high complexity. This is just my experience though.

[Sunshine Rules]

Originally Posted by Michael Koester

As a home inspector, I find that the 80s were a period where homes were built in an over complicated manner with more than average weak points. I much prefer a 60s or a 90s home in the SRQ region. I think everyone was juicing back in the 80s.

I have heard the same from home inspectors over the years regarding 1980's built homes. Plus, some of those homes have the infamous FPE or Zinsco electric panels that should be replaced but many are still around, waiting for a fire hazard to happen.

[Michael Koester]

Originally Posted by Sunshine Rules

I have heard the same from home inspectors over the years regarding 1980's built homes. Plus, some of those homes have the infamous FPE or Zinsco electric panels that should be replaced but many are still around, waiting for a fire hazard to happen.

That's right on target SR -> Zinsco, Sylvania, Federal Pacific, Bulldog, Challenger. And there's polybutelene plumbing.

[johns55]

1980' isn't looking so good for home builds. What about the Chinese drywall issue and pinhole leaks in plumbing?

[Michael Koester]

Chinese drywall was 2001-2008/9. Pinhole leaks in copper supplies can happen to anyone but is generally zip code specific depending on the water issues in an area (Palmer Ranch) - not so much an age related issue.

[coachfowlkes]

Originally Posted by johns55

Hi all,


My wife and I are moving to Florida this year. We'll be in the Venice are. At this point we looked at some homes last week. One in particular has both of our interest. It's in a nice community, well kept, and the house is close to what I want with a few items missing. The house was built in 1988. It needs updating which is something I can do. I told my wife I have one more renovation left in me Mostly work in the kitchen and bathrooms. Everything else is in very good condition. I think I know what the negatives are in purchasing an older home but thought maybe the wise people on the forum could enlighten me on some things I may not of thought of. A coupe of notes about the house.


1. 2,400 sf
2. No pool
3. Tile roof supposedly replaced ( need to find out when)
4. Pipes relined in 2005
5. AC replaced in 2013
6. It's been on the market for over 300 days
7. Fireplace
8. City water and sewer
9. There is a step down from the entrance to the great room
10.Flood zone X
11.Hurricane rated garage door
12.Hurricane rated windows on front of house







I've been visiting the area for years as my folks retired to Port Charlotte in 1995. I also have a lot of friends in Venice so my wife and I are very much looking forward to the relocation.

Thanks.

get the roof inspected by a roofing contractor not a home inspector, we got burned by a bad roof in Nokomis to the tune of $30k.

[coachfowlkes]

Get the roof inspected by roofing contractor, not a home inspector. We got burned by a bad roof in Nokomis to the tune of $30K. The roof age and design make a huge difference in insurance cost.

[Michael Koester]

Originally Posted by coachfowlkes

Get the roof inspected by roofing contractor, not a home inspector. We got burned by a bad roof in Nokomis to the tune of $30K. The roof age and design make a huge difference in insurance cost.

Always a good idea!

[beach43ofus]

Waht is the latest on this, did it pass inspection, did you buy it? If so, hows it working out?