I was thinking about the difference between building a new house and fixing up an older house. There are advantages to each. On the one hand, if you build a new house, you will end up with a structure that is up to current codes and should be low maintenance for several years. That is, as long as your contractor did a good job building the house. Todd has a story about poor house construction. That seems to be the exception rather than rule. On the other hand, fixing up an older home can be a big question mark. It depends on the needed repairs and how neglected the structure was.

I say that because often times, once the project is started and things are removed, more problems are found. Something that was going to be relatively inexpensive can turn into a major ordeal quickly. The most expensive repairs are often to basement walls.

That being said, fixing up an older home can be rewarding, and can lead to a great unique home.

Advantages of building a new house:

• House can be designed the way you want it
• House can be built the way you want it
• Meets all current building codes
• Can take advantage of energy saving materials, construction techniques, and appliances

Disadvantages of building a new house:

• Possible shoddy construction
• Zoning process (if not in a development)
• Permitting process
• Construction schedules, inspections, weather, supply problems
• Additional living expense

Advantages of fixing up an older home:

• Often times, the house can be lived in as it is being renovated
• Renovations can be paced more slowly according to available budget
• Zoning process may not be required unless external changes to the house are being made
• Home owner can embark on a do-it-yourself adventure
• Depending on structural modifications, and the local jurisdiction, permits may not be required. Always check with the building department first
• Less inspections required. Electrical work should always be inspected.

Disadvantages of fixing an older home:

• Work turns out to be greater than expected
• Work becomes beyond the scope of a do-it-yourself project
• Retro-fitting an older structure with insulation, replacement windows, energy efficient appliances is less effective than building new
• Installing new plumbing, electrical, heating systems in a older house is more difficult than new construction
• Renovating an older house can be more expensive than building new
• Older houses may have hazardous materials such as asbestos flooring, asbestos siding, lead paint, ect. which will need be be properly removed and disposed of.

I was reading some of the other blogs on the Houseblogs.net web site. I noticed that most of the blogs there are about people fixing up there older houses. What do you think?

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