Do new homes pack the same punch as period ones?
February 7th, 2011 by NigelIt is said that the British have very strong and distinct views about new homes. While freshly minted cars are considered to have the same status as old ones, and ageing furniture is referred to as antique rather than second hand, a distinct social line is drawn between new and old properties.
Many people dismiss the logical benefits of buying new, and instead energetically embrace the quirky features that older homes offer such as a fascinating past and period details but, on the other hand, who really likes ancient plumbing, old electrics, deteriorating roofs, creaking floorboards and leaky windows?
New homes for sale: The Java development recently launched in South Ockendon, Essex
On the face of it a new home has all the advantages compared to a ‘used’ home bar the history.
Because while historical yarns about new homes may be in short supply, many new homes buyers like how new build homes are a fresh start, free of ‘dodgy DIY’ and a blank canvass on which to ‘stamp your own style’ as the brochures like to say.
And new homes are usually greener too. While many period houses are green disasters leaking heat and money, today’s new homes are usually built to the latest environmental standards and are arguably better for the planet and cheaper to run.
Figures from the New Homes Marketing Board claim that a new home generates 60% less carbon dioxide than older homes and that utility bills are £500 lower a year.
New home also come with higher specs (double glazing, central heating and wall insulation as standard, for example) as well as the more usual items, such as fitted kitchens and en-suite bathrooms.
February 12th, 2011 at 2:06 am
I suppose it really depends on the quality of the build. New homes have such a bad press because of the cheap lightweight materials that are often used nowadays.
Many new homes have paper thin stud walls and balsa light doors. When you have lived in a ‘solid’ house these type of new houses just won’t cut it.
Many people put up with the increased maintenance costs or fuel bills for the feeling of sturdyness and solidness that an old house brings.
March 3rd, 2011 at 12:27 pm
I’d rather have a new build with exposed features if possible, boxing them in is a waste!