So, the hunt is on for the next best thing; an existing
house that will be suitable with a few minor modifications. Michael is in a
wheelchair and does not stand at all. So, a suitable house means one that has
most of the features of a universal design: level lot, open floor plan, no step
entrance, wide hallways, and the biggie, a huge bathroom. If we can find
something that already has all of this, some minor modification would mean
widening of interior doors. Some of the ranch and traditional style houses
built in the last five years or so actually fit most of this description. The
hardest part to find is a bathroom that is big enough and with the right layout
to accommodate the wheelchair. That too can usually be modified, but I am
hoping to find something that is move-in ready. The last four years of our
lives since the accident have been one major event after another. Truthfully, if I don’t have to, I prefer not
to take on any big projects for a while.
With that being said here is the next thing to consider.
Should I purchase an older home or one that is brand new? Personally, I would
much rather a house no one else has lived in, but I also want well-built,
quality construction. And, there is some debate as to whether newer homes are
built as well as older homes.
Older homes used real wood and plaster versus engineered
wood and drywall found in newer homes. Some believe better craftsmanship is
found in older homes. One realtor has told me that even the way the foundation
is laid in older homes is better, which according to an article written in This
Old House magazine“…keeps out moisture, insulates against the cold, and resists
movement of the earth around it.” Tom Silva, the contractor for the show by the
same names says the best foundations are poured concrete; not concrete blocks
prone to leaks and cracks used by most contractors in the last 25 years.
If you’re a visual learner like me, check out this link with
some great photos of old and new home foundations.
https://www.google.com/search?q=new+vs+old+home+foundation&hl=en&qscrl=1&rlz=1T4AD FA_enUS488US488&prmd=imvnsfd&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=aNyPUJeeNsjA0QHn9YHYDw&sqi=2&ved=0CHYQsAQ&biw=1058&bih=496
It would seem then that whether new or old, good construction is dependent upon a good contractor. Either way has advantages and disadvantages. It also seems the decision to buy new or old is more about other things like having an old established neighborhood with mature landscaping or a group of people getting to know each other while they wait for the grass to grow; character or modern convenience; square footage that has more but smaller rooms or less but more spacious rooms.
https://www.google.com/search?q=new+vs+old+home+foundation&hl=en&qscrl=1&rlz=1T4AD FA_enUS488US488&prmd=imvnsfd&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=aNyPUJeeNsjA0QHn9YHYDw&sqi=2&ved=0CHYQsAQ&biw=1058&bih=496
It would seem then that whether new or old, good construction is dependent upon a good contractor. Either way has advantages and disadvantages. It also seems the decision to buy new or old is more about other things like having an old established neighborhood with mature landscaping or a group of people getting to know each other while they wait for the grass to grow; character or modern convenience; square footage that has more but smaller rooms or less but more spacious rooms.
I know which way I’m leaning, but I won’t close my mind to
either until I have looked at a few. I’m meeting with both a realtor and a
builder next week. Stay tuned.
References:
Max Alexander, This Old House magazine From the Ground Up:
Foundations, A foundation is forever—how to do it right,
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,1203559,00.html
Marilyn Lewis, Will your new home still be standing in 50
years? MSN Real Estate,
http://homebuying.about.com/od/buyingahome/qt/052307NeworOld.htm
Elizabeth Weintraub, Should a First-Time Home Buyer Buy New
or Old? http://homebuying.about.com/od/buyingahome/qt/052307NeworOld.htm