Someone told me that houses build in the 1800s at least the expensive ones are built much better than houses build recently is this true

Today’s building standards are quite flimsy by comparison. Buildings back then were designed to remain cooler in the summers by having high ceilings, thick brick walls, cupolas to vent heat out through the roof. And the same thick walls retained the heat in winter. Everything today is designed to rely on artificial climate control. Once the power goes out, so does the climate. Only bad things about older buildings is maintaining them, asbestos concerns (if that was used) and changes in building codes should something need to be rebuilt.

SW-User

Things used to be build or made to last. That's no longer true

hunkalove · 61-69, M

Almost everything was built better back then.

MrBrownstone · 46-50, M

They are still standing

Pureblossom · 22-25, F

Good point I hadn’t thought about it that way @MrBrownstone

nonsensiclesnail · F

They may have been! But a house of that age in current times is a money out of fixes. I’d rather get a new one.

View 2 more replies »

BackyardShaman · 61-69, M

Yikes!! I have a strong electrical background myself. All the old knob and tube wiring was bypassed here and replaced with appropriate gauge copper, all new 200 amp service, plus it was in the same family from 1870 till 1990 and really good work was done over the years with the one you left you did the right thing.@nonsensiclesnail

nonsensiclesnail · F

@BackyardShaman thank you! I couldn’t remember ‘knob and tube’. It was a scary find!

BackyardShaman · 61-69, M

@nonsensiclesnail imagine one or 2 skinny swag lamps compared to what we need now, it is scary!

BackyardShaman · 61-69, M

For the most part yes, mine is.

Rutterman · 46-50, M

That's my impression.

Add a comment...