Are 100 year old homes built better than newer homes?

Question

Is it really true that homes built long ago are built stronger and with better materials than homes built more recently?

Answer 1

my home is 125 yrs old, It's an old farm house, and there is nothing wrong with it, except I need to paint the outside, It's in a lot better shape than houses built, in the last 75yrs

Answer 2

It depends on who built it and how each home was built. Generally speaking new homes will perform better over their life. Old homes go through renovation about every 20 years. In many cases one renovation is trying to fix a problem another renovation caused. Building codes were not generally published or followed until the 50's and then not enforced in many areas until the 70's. There are areas of the country that still do not require building permits or inspections today.

If you take a larger 100 year old home that was built for a wealthy person and maintained by a wealthy person, then the answer is yes, it is built better. On the other hand, if you take a common person's house built in 1906 and maintained as a normal person's house, then I would say no. It would be drafty, dark, poor plumbing and will not have the structural integrity that today's homes have.

//Rick
WWW.paccrestinspections.com

Answer 3

Depends on what you consider better. They were built stronger if that's what you mean. Think about it, there really weren't people that built homes for profit and it wasn't really how they made a living. Also, when they moved into a house they planned on staying there until death and then it would go to a son or daughter, so they didn't slap stuff together like they do now. The down side to an older house is they don't have the conveniences that the new ones have, like central heating and air, updated kitchens and baths, unless added later. They also creak and are drafty, but those things are easy fixes if you choose to do so. Go to your local Home Depot and they can show you how.

Answer 4

I would say that's probably true, but there are a ton of problems that come with an old home. For one, lead paint could possibly be a problem. The plumbing is ancient and can't deal with many of the new appliances that need lots of water (think dishwashers and whirlpool tubs). The electric will never be able to handle any decent central air conditioning system, so it will all have to be redone. In newer houses, too, fire stops are built into the walls to help reduce total destruction in case of fire.

That said, I'm willing to bet that what's holding up a 100 year old house is much better than the plywood, spit and shoe polish that holds up newer homes. Either way, home ownership is never a cheap proposition, is it? ;)

Answer 5

I live in a home that is over 100 yrs. old. It is drafty and costs a lot to heat, but if a tornado comes through it will still stand. As long as the foundation isn't crumbling. Some were built stronger, but their have been advances in architecture that make a house sturdier. Structure is key on if it's better. Some new houses are built to look nice but not necessarily last a hundred yrs.

Answer 6

maybe... but there is much to consider when purchasing a home of year years or more...
was the home well maintained... if the electric hasnt been updated than more likely that will have to be done... is the paint lead... some mortgage companies only give loans is the paint is lead free, most houses older then approx mid 1970's contain lead paint, the plumbing is another consideration, pipes that havent been replaced more than will have to be.. many home owners dont realize the important of a yearly terminator coming in to spray the home.. you may not even have bugs but prevention is the key so bugs wont happen most home owners contact an exterminator once the damage has already been done. Older homes have a tendency of leaks ... were these leaks prepared immediately or is there possibly internal damage which cant be seen.. there is much to consider when purchasing an older home... good luck

Answer 7

Only if you're living in a trailer.

Really it depends on the criteria that you use. For any home to last you will have to put in ongoing maintenance.

You also need to compare apples to apples. I bet the 100 year old homes you are looking at were probably in the more affluent areas of the time and thus would be built better. Look at the homes in affluent neighborhoods now and I'm sure they will stand the test of time as well.

Also, it depends on what you want out of a home. In England they have so many old homes, it's ridiculous. They are also cold. I'll take insulation anyday.

Unless your builder is unscrupulous, you've probably got a home that will last if you put some care into it.

Answer 8

Of course. Older homes are actually built with something more substantial than particle board! (did they have particle board back then?)

True, you may have lead based paint, but as someone else said, if a tornado comes around, that house will still be standing. I'm surprised some of the newer homes built last under heavy downpours. :p

Answer 9

my home was built almost a hundred years ago and its a lot better than some of the houses theyre putting up around me everyone's so concerned about making money they just throw something together there's so many problems with half of the new houses in my area if they're going to build a house they should do it right the first time!

Answer 10

My home was built in the 1860's.

My original wood floors are almost 150 years old and still going strong. The same with the rest of the place. Lets see what your pergo floors look like in 150 years, lol.