03/01/2024
What to Expect from Homes Built Over 50 Years Ago Vs. New
No matter what type of home you buy, there's always a share of risk involved. Even if you have an inspection done, it's possible for problems to be overlooked, especially in older homes. If you're considering buying, or you already own a home that was built over 50 years ago, here are some things you should look out for.
Foundation Issues
Foundation problems are common in older homes and can involve everything from deteriorating support structures to small cracks in the settlement. While these issues are usually caused by natural wear and tear, they might also be the result of nearby tree roots or saturated soil. Foundation issues increase in risk and expense as they worsen over time, so acting early is key. Look for cracks in the interior or exterior walls and be wary of floorboards that sag, squeak, or bounce.
An Aging Roof
The average roof lasts 20-25 years, depending on the material and quality. If you don’t know when the roof was last replaced, you can estimate how much life it has left by looking for signs of damage and wear. If you see missing shingles, cracked or curled shingles, dark streaks, or moss, you’ll likely need to replace it very soon. If it looks a bit worn but not damaged, you may get another 10 years out of it.
Hazardous Materials and Gases
Asbestos and lead paint were commonly used in homes built before 1978. While asbestos was a highly effective insulator in previous decades, it's now known to cause respiratory issues as well as lung cancer. This material can lurk in old walls, pipes, attics, and crawlspaces. Lead paint that was not properly removed or encapsulated can cause lead poisoning. Before proceeding with your purchase, check to see if these materials were used.
Additionally, homes built more than 50 years ago might contain harmful gases like radon. Radon is an odorless and colorless gas, which makes it difficult to identify. Even though radon isn't classified as toxic, it's the main cause of lung cancer among people who don't smoke. Radon test kits are inexpensive and can be purchased at most home improvement stores.
Outdated Plumbing and Electrical Systems
Plumbing and electrical systems wear out over time, like anything else. If these systems haven't been updated since the initial home construction, they may contain outdated or degraded materials, which can pose a safety risk.
Corroded pipes can lead to leaks, and older electrical systems increase the risk of fires. Inquire about the age of the plumbing and electrical systems in the home you're interested in to determine if the components need to be replaced. Consider upgrading the HVAC system if it's more than 10-15 years old as well.
Potential Flipping Concerns
Many older homes attract investors who buy them to renovate and resell at a profit. Investors don't catch everything, which is why you should still perform a standard 4 point inspection alongside additional tests for radon, asbestos, and mold.
Homes built over 50 years ago offer charm and character and can be more affordable. However, it's crucial that you get a thorough inspection and learn as much as you can about the systems and materials before deciding to purchase. A little caution goes a long way in securing a home that's both safe and sound.
What to expect from a New Construction
When purchasing a new construction home, you can expect new systems, modern amenities, energy efficiency, options, warranties, and incentives. It’s rare, but some builders have opportunities for customization and upgrades during the building process.
Our Pre-Visit Prep
I always check online reviews and look at the builder's history in a market. Builders with a strong reputation of quality and customer service should then make our short list to see in person.
I ask specific questions to understand your needs, in order to recommend neighborhoods that would match your search. I will also ask a series of questions to the builder to understand the value they are offering, their unique positioning in the market, and the quality of their build experience. As a former New Home Sales Consultant of 11 years, I am very familiar with the best builders & new construction neighborhoods through the Tampa Bay area.
The Perks of New Construction
New Systems: A new foundation, roof, windows, plumbing, electrical and HVAC system. Brand new systems are free of defeats and won't fail you in the upcoming months or result in costly repairs. New homes are required to meet the latest building code requirements, which are more stringent and offer superior quality building methods. Foundations are poured at 2,000psi which are thicker and more durable than foundations of the past. Block construction exterior walls provide safety from hurricane strength winds. Roofs are not tied down into the walls and the foundation at every truss, instead of only the 4 corners. Plumbing advancements have led to more durable materials which are more leak resistant and offer patented connections. Electrical breaker panels have higher AMP service, allowing for more power to be drawn from one circuit simultaneously without blowing a fuse. Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are located inside the home which helps reduce wear and tear, and results in a longer lasting system. In years past they were in garages or attics which are too hot and caused the systems to work harder to maintain temperature. HVAC systems are also sized to match the homes square-footage, orientation and energy calculation so they cool evenly without over working the system. As a result the home will be more comfortable and evenly cooled.
Modern Amenities: Smart homes are commonplace. Front door locks are smart with a numerical code for keyless entry. Smart doorbells with cameras offer security. Smart electrical switches allow you to control the lights and fans from a app on your smart phone so that you can change the mood without being home. Smart thermostats allow you to select daily schedule settings which can start to cool the home just before your scheduled to be home from work, or even dial the temperature lower just before bedtime.
Energy Efficiency: Windows are now double pane Low-E offering more UV protection and energy savings of 30-50% comparable to older single pane windows. Smart features electrical features and thermostats also lead to savings of 30-50% on utility costs.
Options: Some builders offer a choice of interior finish packages which allow for some personalization. Within higher price ranges, some builders will offer additional options to add structural layout changes, plumbing, or electrical upgrades, or interior finish options. If this is an important factor for you, we will request an options list in advance to understand what is offered.
Warranties: Builder warranties offer additional peace of mind with a process in place to repair or replace systems with 1-10 years. Systems have extended warranties that need to be registered in your name, which often have additional 5-10 years of manufactures warranty.
Incentives: With in house lenders and title companies, builders are able to offer incentives to you for using their companies. They might offer a credit of $10,000 towards buyer closing costs, with the use of their lender. Another common incentive is for builders to offer a rate buy-down, in other words, the builders lender pays for you to have a lower than market interest rate of 4.875% at no cost to you.
As you can see, there are numerous advantages in working with a seasoned New Construction Specialist. Contact us today for a strategy session so that we can help you plan your move seamlessly into a brand-new home.
