Are you buying a 1930s house? There are pros and cons to consider. Here's what to look for and what well-built means. The 1930s was a decade of significant change. In the United States, the Great Depression began in 1929 and lasted until about 1939. This period saw the rise of Franklin D. Roosevelt and his New Deal programs and the start of World War II. In home construction, the 1930s was a time of...

Merriam-Webster defines a “money pit” as “Something that uses up a very large amount of money.” Usually that something to which “money pit” refers is a house that needs expensive repairs. The 1986 movie “The Money Pit” starred Tom Hanks and Shelley Long as a couple who bought a grand old home with character and a long list of needed repairs, with comic results. Dealing with a...

With the higher housing prices, you might consider buying an older house to save money. On average, they cost 10-30% less upfront than new homes. It’s hard to ignore numbers like that. But is it worth it? Older homes may come with costly repairs or renovations. They might not all come with those costs, and the amount you pay will vary. It can still be cheaper than buying a new home. You’ll just...

Buying a house is always a good investment. Owning a home ensures you’ll pay fewer taxes, and a mortgage is usually cheaper than rent. Additionally, it is yours, so you can sell it whenever you want. And you most likely will sell for a profit.  Owning a home gives you a sense of pride and freedom from the stipulations of renting. But is it better to buy a new home or an older dwelling? And if...

When you start house hunting, you’ll come across homes of all ages. But does the age of a house really matter? The answer is that it depends.  In some cases, an older home will require more work. On the other hand, many newer homes won’t have the same character you find in older construction. Not to mention, rushed new constructions can present a plethora of problems. This article will...

Long ago, people would continuously stuff the fireplace with wood to keep themselves from freezing. These same individuals had to open strategically placed windows during the summer to avoid heat stroke. HVAC systems did not exist yet. Notwithstanding, human ingenuity existed, exemplified by the above-door window in older homes. Regulating the temperature was as simple as opening and closing these...

Have you ever walked by an antique home and wondered, “how did they ever have enough space?” Older houses are often shockingly smaller than the modern houses we build today. As with any rule, there are some exceptions– as the stunning plantation homes of the south can testify to. But we’re referring to the average person’s home from way back when. Old houses vary greatly depending on...

Have you ever spotted one of those older homes that looks like The Addams Family's mansion? You might be surprised why they have that dark, gloomy appearance! Let's explain. The Reason Old American Houses Are Dark Believe it or not, there are valid reasons why those old American homes always look so dark, sometimes in both the interior and the exterior of the residence. Much of this gloominess...

With all the advanced technology and increase in building materials, one would think modern houses are better than older houses from the 1970s, but that is not necessarily the case. It may be surprising that homes in the 1970s were built well, and in some cases, built better than modern houses. Houses built in the 1970s are usually weathertight, tend to withstand extreme weather conditions, and are...

If you own or rent an old house, you have probably heard your house make a few intriguing noises. When you asked around, you heard that your home is just settling. But, searching the internet, you have found that it may not be typical. You are now worried that something is seriously wrong and unsure if it is normal for your old house to settle.  It is perfectly normal to start worrying about...