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Old house or new house... which to buy...

Discussion in 'General Discussions' started by Lindy, Sep 29, 2011.

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  1. Remixer

    Remixer Middle Eastern Doofus

    Location:
    Frankfurt, Germany
    Well, the right expenses make lots of things happen.

    Who said you can't have a bulletproof glass roof?

    *half-hearted disclaimer HERE*
     
    Remixer, Sep 30, 2011
    #21
  2. CinnamonGirl

    CinnamonGirl The Cheat is GROUNDED!

    Location:
    Central Republic of Where-In-The-Hell
    I like older houses, but I could be talked into a newer house if it had an older "feel" to it. Like you, Lindy, I want high ceilings, big windows, and pretty woodwork. Large fireplaces are awesome, too (but apparently a huge insurance matter.)

    In a perfect world, I'd have a house built with a state-of-the-art kitchen, plenty of outlets, a huge bathroom, and walk-in closets, but also with the older-style architecture. And I'd definitely hire someone to do scrollwork on the mantles, the molding, and the ceilings.

    I definitely don't have that kind of money, though, so I'd probably just go for an older house. I don't know a lot about home improvement stuff, but I'd like to learn, and my stepdad would certainly help out. I just don't like living in a box house, that's part of a boxed block, in a boxed city.
     
    CinnamonGirl, Sep 30, 2011
    #22
  3. Lindy

    Lindy Moderator Staff Member

    Location:
    Nebraska
    We both want modern convenience. Victorian style, perhaps, but not Victorian HVAC or plumbing.
    I gut-rehabbed my Boston duplex. It cost over $150k and took two years, gutting each floor in turn while living in the other. I learned a great deal in those two years, which should make it easier this time.
    I'm the more handy. My family owns a small town hardware store. I grew up as a tomboy, playing with hammers more than dollhouses. I did my own wiring in Boston. Two outlets on (nearly) every wall. Each room with two circuits. Ceiling lights/fans not on same circuits as wall outlets. My work passed inspection.:D Those things I learned from growing up in a house like Craven describes.
    Sig (my guy) grew up in Sweden. He's not as handy, but says he's willing to learn. According to him, DIY home remodeling is not a very big thing in Europe. The first time we went to Home Depot he wondered who bought all that stuff.
    Murphy and the mushroom factor are always with us. Amen.
    That's exactly what I'd love to find. Or turn an ugly duckling into just that.:)

    Lindy
     
    Lindy, Sep 30, 2011
    #23
  4. ktspktsp

    ktspktsp Vertical

    Location:
    Seattle, WA
    I would second that the neighborhood is more important that whether the house is old or new. However, how the house feels to you does matter.. For instance I dislike the design of ranch houses, old(ish) or new.
    We ended up with a 1921 house, but given that we were looking for a single-family home in a specific part of town, most of the stock there is early 20th century craftsman houses. Haven't had that many issues with it yet.. But I'm sure we will :)
     
    ktspktsp, Oct 1, 2011
    #24
  5. amonkie

    amonkie Very Tilted

    Location:
    Windy City
    I grew up in a 2 floor ranch (basement) in Phoenix, and our house was built late 1970's. I then moved to Chicago and all of my apartments here were built before 1930. The amount of HVAC, efficiency, and living space issues such as no closets or doors on bedrooms, and especailly the wiring setups have convinced me to buy newer, no matter how much I love the old style.
     
    amonkie, Oct 1, 2011
    #25
  6. genuinemommy

    genuinemommy Moderator Staff Member

    I grew up in a home built in the 1940's, parents were the second owners. Lived in older and newer places. Learned that electric baseboard heaters are far more efficient than electric forced air systems, difference in heating cost is significant, even with buildings of similar age that have similar insulation. We like our current townhome, with it's 2-car garage and basement. But it is admittedly too large and lonely for a couple accustomed to community living. Things like size and your needs should really be your first consideration. If we could have found a 1-bedroom with covered parking and a community garden, we would have jumped on it so fast. Sometimes if you focus on compromise before actually looking at options, you set yourself up for both of you being disappointed. Ideally you two should look around until you find a place where both of you feel at home.

    There are new homes and apartments around Cincinnati with vaulted ceilings and wood floors. It's difficult to find an older home with those features for a comparable price. Learn the building trends of where you're moving, you may be pleasantly surprised at what newer homes have to offer. Good luck decorating!
     
    genuinemommy, Oct 1, 2011
    #26
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