Do you prefer historical or modern homes? Luckily, you can have your pick of both types in Lincoln, NE! Old homes have charm and character, but modern homes often come with less work and quirks. People seem to be pretty polarized to one or the other. Though we like both, there’s nothing like some great old bones with a little bit of remodeling.
What’s your preference?
Buying a historical home
There are positives and minuses from any choice, but we thought we’d give you a few things to consider if you’re thinking about buying a historical home.
+You get to become a part of history! There’s a long story to this home. It has been around for a while and will survive a while longer.
+Historic homes tend to sell faster, and historic neighborhoods seem to have stabler property values.
+Your home is going to be unique! Modern homes can get a bit cookie-cutter, whereas historic homes are distinctive and resilient.
+The older the home, the more established the landscaping. You will most likely have strong, tall trees and a mature garden.
-You may be constricted by design controls from the district.
-Historical homes are typically more expensive to maintain.
-Older houses are likely to still have lead paint or use asbestos for insulation. These toxic substances can be extremely harmful, especially to small children.
-Financing and insuring older homes can be a challenge as lenders and insurers perceive more potential problems than with a new build.
Before buying evaluate the-
- Age of the home
- Updates made to the home: plumbing, electrical, etc.
- Restrictions imposed by the district
Buying a modern home
Just like with a historical home, there are pros and cons to purchasing a modern home, as well.
Here are some things to consider before you decide.
+Modern homes tend to focus on spacious, open floor plans and natural light design. Even in a home with less square footage, the feel will be vast and bright.
+Everything is going to be new. You won’t have to wait to renovate before moving in.
+Modern homes are highly customizable. You can really make it your own.
+Homes built recently are subject to today’s standards and are constructed with “energy and environmental efficiency” in mind.
-Modern homes can lack character and charm.
-They are usually built on smaller lots with limited outdoor space and close proximity to neighbors.
-Newer homes use “builder-grade” material, which is pretty cheap. Though things are new and adhere to modern standards, they’re not built to last as long as older homes.
-Modern homes can be a lot more expensive than historical homes.
At the end of the day, it has a lot to do with your own personal taste and how much work you are looking to put in. Either way, congratulations on your new home!
If you decide to go with a historical home, you may need some remodeling. You’ll want a reliable contractor with experience updating historical homes. You’ll also want someone you can trust to give you advice on further renovations and upgrades.
Where we come in
At Carlson Projects, Inc., we have a ton of experience with home remodeling on historical and modern homes here in Lincoln, NE, and the surrounding areas. We’d be honored to be part of your next project. We have expertise on kitchen and bathroom remodels, as well as a love of renovating and preserving older homes around Lincoln.
If you have questions about a project or need a reliable contractor, contact us today to schedule an appointment! We’re passionate about helping our community…one project at a time.
And for more information on remodeling older homes, check out our blogs:
Preserving Historic Buildings from the Ground Up, 4 Reasons to Remodel an Old Home Instead of Buying New, and Historic Sunroom Addition.
References and Resources:
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/318-historic-home-buying-101/
https://houseplans.co/articles/modern-house-plans-5-benefits/
https://www.uphomes.com/blog/buying-a-new-construction-home.html
https://www.lawdepot.com/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-building-or-buying-a-new-house/
