Would you buy a house originally

[Cook Chatty Cathy]

built in 1903, and it has updates new roof etc.? Would the wood just be too old, or would it be a better quality than anything we see today? What are you thoughts on this subject? We are in the market and I found a real cutie, over 1600 sq. ft. plenty big for us and I am just wondering if that is simply way too old to even consider!

 

[chubbyalaskagriz]

Oh helll yeah, Cathy!

I love older homes- especially if they've been loved, cared-for and treated properly over the years!

Years ago SO MUCH more creative artfullness went into home design, and often many "value-added" features were just the standard and always included in homes- things that today would cost a fortune to include like stained glass, funky intricate windows, carved wood trim and fireplace-surrounds, built-ins, wood floors, wainscoting, intricate fixtures, etc.

We hear it all the time- but older homes have SO MUCH more character.

Don't get me wrong- I've seen many lovely new places too, but today it's rare to see such a bounty of beautiful features in homes simply because today they are considered "bonus options" that just add so much cost to a house.

I wish you luck in obtaining your charming, historic dream home, Cathy!

 

[Bubba707]

First have the inspection done. Have a professional check for any signs of leaks, wiring and plumbing. If those are ok and the structure is sound go for it. You can't get the quality of wood that went into those old houses any more.

 

[The Ironic Chef]

Cathy, as a Carpenter of many, many years of experience I will tell you that homes from back in the day were built so much better than those built today. Real timbers used for floor systems, a 2"x4" was an actual 2"x4". The sheathing for floors, walls and roofs were actually 1" tongue and groove material. The lathe and plaster walls required major work to install and the wood work finishes were done by craftsman.
That being said, Plumbing, heating, electrical, windows, doors, and cabinetry, at today's products are more advanced and to replace these items in a historic home will cost major dollars. As Bubba stated, get a really good inspection done and if everything is in good working order and renovations through the years were sound and just then you will have a nice investment and a home worth living in.

 

[Cook Chatty Cathy]

Thank so much for the senceable and sound advice guys! We will do just that have the inspection 1st then the termite letter and go from there! I love the huge front porch, it is my main draw! Of-course fireplaces and rain gutters, and a workshop out back. We have not been over to it with the realtor yet, but since I could not quit thinking about it I figured I would ask someone more knowledgeable on the subject! I have bought and sold about 5 homes in my lifetime, just never a historic one built at the turn of the century!

 

[jglass]

I read some where that a lot of those old houses used asbestos insulation.

 

[Jafo232]

I love old houses but there are some things to consider when you look it over.

Are there a lot of electrical outlets? Many old homes have like one outlet per room. If your ok with that then fine.

Walk the floors, especially on multiple stories and have someone else (hubby) on the floor beneath when you do. Many old house squeak like crazy. You might not notice it when you looking it over, but you will notice it when you move in. Most of the time it isn't a problem, even a little squeaking, but you might not care for it if it is loud enough to wake you up for example.

Keep a keen eye out for previous leaking. An old house is bound to have had a leak at one point or another, just make sure it looks like it was temporary.

If it has a well, make sure you have it tested. Nothing worse than a shallow well that goes dry if you wash too many dishes.

Check for dampness in the basement/cellar. Check for musty smells, etc..

Flush the toilet a couple times and see how fast it drains. A slow draining toilet may indicate a problem with the septic.

If it is furnished, look behind furniture, under throw rugs, etc.. Homeowners will hide many things this way.

Old houses have a tendency to have small doorways, and low ceilings. Make sure that your ok with it if that is the case with this house.

That is all I can think of off the top of my head. I have lived in many an old house.

 

[Cook Chatty Cathy]

Thank you Jafo, all great suggestions you have there!

 

[cookie]

Just make sure it's not Haunted!! Cookie

 

[chubbyalaskagriz]

Speaking of older homes...

I was raised in an old, rickety, cold Queen Anne farmhouse. As we all know, 100+++ years ago they had different customs than we do today. Can anyone figure this one out?

Our large L-shaped front porch was on the front of the house. Not 5 ft. from the main front door (which faced South) was another front door (faced west). We never could determine WHY there were two apparent "front doors"- so near one another. Both opened into the same entry-way, just from different angles.

Has anyone else ever encountered this- and would you know the reason for it?

Some other long-forgotten features of this house that I found appealing (or at least odd/quirky)- that one seldom sees today: push-button light-switches, shiny black porcelein door knobs, leaded pains of glass, stained glass, built-in "armoire" storage in most rooms and a built-in "china closet", a hexagon-shaped "tower" on the rear of the house (impossible to place a long couch or bed!) round dinner-plate-sized holes on the wall up near the celing in each room covered w/ a decorative plate (used for flu's for stove pipes back in the day), crazy patterned wallpapers and linoleums, a hand-pump & rain-water cistern out back, and a loft in the seperate carriage-house/garage.

BTW- this house had the WORST bathroom and kitchen ever! The large walk-in pantry was awesome- but the lay-out of the counters and appliance spaces were wildly haphazard & troublesome! The bathroom was tiny and cramped- squeezed tightly under a stairway... Old houses are SO NEAT!