Older homes - 30's or 50's?

dls

Just curious as to what folk's experiences have been with older homes. Seems like most homes in Seattle are from the 1930s-1940s, and many in south Snohomish county (Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace) are from the 1950s (+/-). I've seen homes in both areas that were very nice (updated/upkept) and not very nice (rotting in place).

So, is it better to look at older homes in Seattle, or less-older homes in south Snohomish county?

Charles Dean

From what inspectors have told me, the best most solidly built houses around here were built in the 50's and 60's.

Notabull

I've lived in a few houses in the Seattle area, one from the 1920s (old apple orchard farm house in Wallingford), and a couple from the 40s/50s. I've also lived in a house in Issaquah built in the mid 70s and I currently live in a house built in 1979.

The one thing that is very apparent is that the houses from the 70s have been much warmer and cheaper to heat. My gas/electricity bill in my current 1979 house is about the same as the bill for the 40s house even though it is almost twice the size and has a *lot* of windows in comparison.

I'm not sure I'm qualified to comment too much on the quality of the construction, but I do know that the 70s houses used plywood and not the crappy fiber board they use all the time now. In fact, the 1920s house was a disaster and the foundation was crumbling.

So if you're concerned about energy costs, then go newer, but you don't have to go TOO new in order to get the benefits of insulation.

My 2 cents...

Charles Dean

I'd agree with notabull. I personally don't think I would buy a house built after the mid-80's. And he does make a good point about energy efficiency. insulation standards weren't that high prior to the 70's.

And older houses, unless they've had total renovation are going to be very drafty and expensive to heat. So if you really want an older house, find something that has been renovated and not just remodeled.

mukoh

Those homes in my opinion have a lot of character and great potential.
Beware of risks with them though:
Electrical has to be replaced if it hasn't already.
Plumping has to be replaced if it hasn't already.
Boost up the insulation to make it efficient.

Use two inspectors, not just one.
Do a good foundation inspection, and thoroughly inspect for mold/pests.

I have two of these as rentals, one is on the historical list, which cost 100% of the value to bring up to shape, but that has recouped twice already in value.