Comments on: things to consider when purchasing an older home

By: ashley @ the handmade home

ashley @ the handmade home

In reply to Kathy N.. Into. The. Crawlspace?! ??? you have my utmost respect and this comment just made my day!

By: Kathy N.

Kathy N.

10 years ago we bought a house that had been built in 1969. There was not a surface in the house that we even liked. The draw was the neighborhood, the 3/4 acre lot with lovely landscaping, the front porch, and the potential. My husband is very talented so other than an occasional plumber or electrician we’ve done the work and along the way we’ve found particle board sub-floor even in the wet areas, nailed with a million nails because there had been a leak, live wires in the walls and a bar sink that , and I am not kidding here, drained into the crawl space. We’ve had to replace duct work, not once but twice. And, if we ever want to add the downstairs master bedroom that we would like we will have to remove an old septic tank. Has it been worth it? Absolutely! It’s not perfect, but it reflects us and our family and meets our needs. Most likely it will never be “done”, we have long range plans and Lord knows we are not getting any younger. But every morning I wake up and look out my bathroom window and I’m just grateful for this place, and this view. Hang in there, it’s going to work out just fine, and yes, keep your sense of humor. Maybe it’s time for a sequel to the Money Pit movie!

By: ashley @ the handmade home

ashley @ the handmade home

See?! The things you don’t think about! Yes we are on city water – that’s one place we were able to save on! Crazy!

By: Maryann C

Maryann C

The scariest two words when buying a house? Well water. I didn’t read that in your description, so I’m guessing you have town/county water and sewer? Praying you do. We did a well only once, and that’ll never happen again. It cost a fortune, and we ended up with our own personal water treatment plant in the basement.

By: ashley @ the handmade home

ashley @ the handmade home

In reply to Maggy Robertson.

RIGHT?! By the time we’re finished with this house, it will have been just as costly as a brand new build. But… we also got the charm and custom additions we couldn’t get anywhere else…so it’s definitely a big fat list of pros and cons. ;}

By: Maggy Robertson

Maggy Robertson

Yeah! These things are important to consider if you opt to buy an older house. Sometimes, people think that they could save more money if they buy older houses but that is a mistake. Thinking about the repair and total makeover, that will cost you a lot. Unless if you have the skills to do everything by yourself, then that would save you a dime. Great post!

By: Beth M.

Beth M.

Why must our homes require maintenance???? Being an adult is hard….and expensive! We’ve dealt with tons of water issues, radon, mold, termites, foundation issues, old windows and insulation, and so much more in the three homes we’ve owned. Not sure why water issues follow us everywhere! This is a great list! Wish I’d had it in 2005….;)

By: Anna

Anna

I love this – your sense of humor IS so important! Older homes are a lot to take in but in the end all of your hard work will give you a not-cookie-cutter look like no other! The Money Pit is my favorite.