Do you now or have you ever lived in an old house? Help! :-)

Question

I've been an admirer of old homes (circa 1900 to 1940) for about 30 years. We lived in and raised our two sons in a wonderfully constructed smaller 1955 ranch home. We were only the 3rd owner. All three of us families were very serious about keeping things up (repairs, etc.) and in good condition. 
 Three years ago, we bought a very unique multi-level 1961 home which is quite lovely. But.......here's the dilemma. Recently this 1901 home has come up for sale. It's on the local historic registry and very decently priced for our area. We've looked it over, know it's got its 'issues' but I'm still being drawn to it. However for the most part, it's been wonderfully taken care of. A 114 year old lady is going to have a few little quirks, right? ;-) 
 So many questions though and dare I say fears! What if the boiler system would need replacement? Will we be able to afford it? What if it's so drafty in the winter (we often have 7 months of cold winter here in upper ND) I can't stand it? Do I really want to live in the house all winter wearing snow pants and snow boots?!?!?? What if we just plain make a mistake moving from this 'everything's done' 1961 home we're in now? What if.....? Well, you get the picture. 
 If you live or have lived in an older home and want to tell me (and other interested HT readers) about your personal experiences, I think this would be fascinating to start a thread on this topic. 
 Anyone game? :-)

UPDATE: We decided not to put in an offer on the home pictured. Staying where we're at and doing some small upgrades. When you do that, you start to 'LOVE THE HOME YOU'RE IN ... AGAIN!' which is my business motto. Visit me at www.cndesigns.biz or Connie Nikiforoff Designs on Facebook :-)

RCooper @ thoughtsbyher.com · Answer

I think this home is beautiful! At least what I can see :-D. Having sold real estate before I wold always recommend getting an inspection. That will give you a good idea of knowing where you stand before closing. Make an offer contingent upon what you find in the inspection. But there are always the concerns of windows, the electrical system as well as plumbing. Best of luck and I will be very curious to see what others post!

Gail · Answer

I think that if you are truly drawn to the house and believe it could be a forever home, then the problems and quirks are something you just deal with.  My personal experience:  my first home was newly completed in 1992.  I loved being a homeowner, but even though it was 'move-in ready' I immediately started changing things.  Five years later I moved to another state.  Bought a house built in 1938 and was only the 2nd owner--seriously!!  Hadn't been updated since the 1970's and over a five year period tackled every room.  Loved it, believed it would be my forever home.  Knew I never wanted another newly built home, even if I designed it.  Seven years later, moved to another state (sold my house at a huge profit).  After a long search found a house built in 1932.  It was a mess, but I really, really wanted it.  Took me three years and still wasn't yet satisfied when I moved to another state.  By that time I was completely enamored of 1930's brick homes.  I moved to a small town and after a year of searching (couldn't find a 1930's house for sale) and bought my current house, built in 1914.  Well taken care of and reasonably updated.  More issues however.  No insulation and even higher ceilings--higher utility bills and still difficult to warm in the winter. Clay pipes still existing for plumbing (just cost me nearly $6000.00 to replace because I had no choice.). I am slowly recovering original flooring (still there, just covered with carpet, linoleum, or newer wood flooring. the old floors creak, are uneven, and many boards need replacing.  There is much more ahead of me.  I tell you all of this because I believe you should only buy this house if you really, really want it and go into it knowing that an old lady may need lots and lots of care.

Melissa Gutilla · Answer

It looks like a beautiful house! I can def. see why you are drawn to it. Check into the cost of upgrading the boiler system. I'm sure it's something that in the long run would save you some money.

Kathy Munson · Answer

If the house has been well cared for it should also have good insulation...particularly in the upper midwest. Check utility bills for the current owner of the house. That should give you a good indication on if it is well insulated or not. I live in a 1929 farm house in Minnesota. Old homes are more stable than many newly constructed homes. There will be issues that you will learn to live with, like squeaky floors, smaller rooms and no closet space. The fact that homes like this normally have lots of character in them makes them worth the effort to keep them up.

Teri Broberg · Answer

I just finally sold a home on the historic registry in Mn. It had a lot of design problems that today's buyers don't want, and the historic committee interfered with changes that needed to be made. For instance, nothing bigger than a double bed could ever get up the stairs. I would never again buy a house that was controlled by a committee.

Gayle · Answer

My husband and I raised our kids in a house built early 1900-1910. My advice to you is RUN run fast! Too many times have we started a small project which ended up to be a lot more complicated and costly- nothing is square or level. I would move in a second! Sorry

Suzanne · Answer

I just love the house. We live in an old house and just love the cozy feeling. The porch is great fix it up and enjoy

Shelley Nelson · Answer

My house was built in 1910. We're the 7th owner. Luckily everyone who's lived here has taken very good care of. The electric was updated, the whole house was re-plumbed and there was a new air conditioner. (We live in Texas) Insulation had already been added. If I were you I would call and make an appointment to see it. You may walk in and decide this isn't the house for me. Then go from there.

Kelli · Answer

I currently live in a home that was built in the 1930's. It has a ton of problems. We fix a little at a time so we don't got house poor. All of the Windows in the house are single pained and pulled up with a rope. It doesn't exactly keep the heat in during the winter. We love the house though. I say go for it.

Workerbee · Answer

Our home was built in 1889, with a remodel in the 30's. It is a very solid home, we have spent the last 40 years working on it every year. Constant up keep is the secret. If that is something you want to do, jump in. If you want a normal life, run. Also, make sure there is no asbestos in the house and the lead paint has been removed. The standards for the removal keeps getting more stringent. We are on the Historic Register but not in a Historic District which make a big difference also. As with all big purchases use your head not your heart, good luck.

Susan · Answer

I adore my home built in 1895. My husband and I purchased the home 17 years ago, and have raised our two now teenaged daughters here. We were in love with Victorian homes, and this was one of our favorites for several years before we were married. There are issues; not enough closet space and we could use another bathroom. And of course it does not have an open floor plan, and is expensive to heat and cool.  But we fell in love with the character of the house, the tall ceilings, elaborate moldings and multiple fireplaces. It is also in a very desirable neighborhood close to downtown. It is always in need of upkeep, especially paint! I love this house, and cannot imagine having lived anywhere else for all these years. We always receive compliments on it's warmth and beauty from our friends. But recently, one of my daughters and I have become interested in real mid century modern architecture, with lots of wood beams and glass. We are trying to talk my husband into moving, his answer is that our victorian antique furniture won't work, lol! You must love an old house, and be willing to put up with all of its inconveniences. But there is no way I would ever want to live in a'new' home, there is simply not enough character, despite its many conveniences.

Teresa Martin · Answer

I live in an old home. It is for sale for $50k. Perfect for Home talk ideas. Double size city lot. Within walking distance to downtown where there are lots of parades and weekend functions. If anyone wants to use their decor ideas, I will offer free pallets to get you started. Athens, AL

CK · Answer

The input on this topic is really fun to read! I'll keep the post 'unresolved' for awhile. I invite all comments as they come. Fascinating first-hand stories. Thanks :-)

Marie Caruana · Answer

Beautiful home BUT, do you know that certain changes cannot be made if it's on the National Registry.  I don't know if they go so far as to tell you what color paint you can use, but I'd check carefully.  I've been living in my 114 year old house as a newly-wed 52 years ago.  With little or no money we managed to make this home beautiful inside and out.  Never made it to the National Register so I was able to do a lot, including gardens and garden structures.  I love this old place and wouldn't trade all the hard work and wonderful memories.  GOOD LUCK!

RJ · Answer

I recently purchased a 125 year old house that was on the verge of ruins. Going into it I knew it was going to take time and expense to get it in what I would consider comfortable living conditions. Having lived in an older home in my childhood and a new build for the last 25 years I welcome the change to going back to an old home. Renovations included a new kitchen new bathroom new flooring and sanding and refinishing existing floor in three bedrooms and the hallway plus a fresh coat of paint all the way around. I had the house inspected before I bought it and most of its major areas, siding roof furnace windows had all been replaced within the last 10 years so I felt secure investing in the house hoping that I wouldn't have to replace any of those major expenses anytime soon. I can't tell you how much I love this house. Before I bought it I couldn't sleep at night thinking about it. If it's something that you truly want and love go for it!!

M.a1024985 · Answer

We bought an old house, built in 1907, 6 years ago and love it.  We had closets built, basically boxes with shelves and rods to fit the space and to contain our clothes.  I measured our clothing masses and made templates for each type of clothes.  For example, I laid out all my shoes and boots and then made a template to scale of the length and height need for each.  Did the same for long hanging clothes, short hanging clothes, sweaters etc.  then I arranged them so they would fit into the closet space.  If it isn't insulated you can have it blown into the walls.  They drill holes in the outside walls and pump in the insulation.  Then they have to plug the holes but after painting over they are hard to see.  Just count the cost up front of what it would take to fix the problems it has.  We put in insulated windows in also and it keeps quite comfortable.

Teresa Martin · Answer

For those of you worried about the utilities cost. I recommend new windows. They will pay for themselves within two years. I have the ones that will slide up or down. They are air tight. If your attic does not have a floor, lay sheets of plywood. Cheap and easy. If you have crawl space, put insulation between the joists to keep air from coming up through the floor.

Freda Riley · Answer

We live in a two story Victorian box built in 1919. It features many closet doors, doors that pull down from the ceiling and lots of history. it was the first mortuary in our town and features a cooling room, an office, an embalming room, and a room for the visitors - this is when people sat up with the body at night. Love it very much.

Marie Alesi Caruana · Answer

A few pictures of the changes we've made.  I don't have a whole house picture but will post it when it stops raining.

Country Design Home · Answer

We purchased our first 'starter home' over thirty years ago and never left. A small farmhouse and barn built in 1857, this home has required continued fixes and replacements over the years. The thing about an old home is that no matter how well it has been kept up, there are always new issues that pop up. We have repaired or replaced the electrical, plumbing, roofs, foundations, added baths and added and restored every single room. Horsehair plaster is messy and unforgiving, just remember that when you go to hang a heavy mirror : ( Would I do it again? Nope. My next home will be walk-in ready. Not a paint brush to be needed unless I wanted to change a wall color or two.

Jeanne · Answer

We raised our family in a converted carriage house which had been part of an estate at one time. There are pluses and minus' to living in an older (over 100) home. It had 42 windows which all had to be replaced because the curtains moved when the wind blew! None of the openings - doors, windows, basement casements etc, are a universal measurement so they all require custom fitting. Most older homes have a warren of little rooms - which we renovated from 14 rooms to about 10. The yard had wonderful trees and bushes - one was an old lilac that bloomed in abundance every year. Our rooms were huge. Parties for 50-60 people was no problem. We all love that old house, yes it was a money pit, but also an open vat of memories. We were the caretakers for 20 some years, then the house moved on to new families and their memories. If you love it go for it, if you're over 40 don't do it!!

CK · Answer

Hey Hometalk readers,
This post's comments have been wonderful! I LOVE using HT as a sounding board resource because you all have great input.

I think I'll mark this 'resolved' and call it good ;-) Of course if anyone decides to chime in, I'll be more than happy to read your comments :-)

Unless something really changes with what we find when seeing the old house again (yes, I'm still keeping my options open) I 'think' we'll probably stay here in our 1961 multi-level home. (Is that chicken squawking I hear? LOL!)

Thanks again HT readers!

Brenda Goodell VanderZanden · Answer

I adore big old houses - BUT you will have limitations because of the historic registry. THEY will tell you what you can and cannot do. Don't let the allure of 'good bones' sell you. We've been here. Every time we decided to do a 'minor face lift project' it turned into major reconstruction because of outdated wiring, plumbing, etc.

Brenda Goodell VanderZanden · Answer

Very true. I'm a sucker for a wonderful front porch and this one certainly has that in spades...it would be very fun to decorate.

Do you now or have you ever lived in an old house? Help! :-)

Suggested Project Book

The 15 Smartest Storage Hacks For Under Your Sink

Other

More

Do you now or have you ever lived in an old house? Help! :-)

Suggested Project Book