Our CAG shared an article on a deck collapse in Lawrence, KS (75536.1) which had a link to the local paper’s site
(http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2006/jun/29/builders_review_methods_after_collapse_deck/?city_local)
Now, I actually took the time to read thorugh the blog-like responces after the article. What struck me was the number of posters who started from the assumption that new construction was “better” than existing construction.
The other thing that struck me was the presumptions about new construction, too. Largely this was in presumed things like how long before maintanece might occur (like a comment about a squeaking floor, that should not have squeaked for a decade or so).
Now, both of those items are interesting for our industry. For one, it, kind of, explains why the national builder McHouses sell at all. If “new” is better, then a house is a disposable asset.
Perhaps that gives “us” a place to stand to preach better, fine, construction–that the customer is buying a home, a permanent sort of thing, not something to be replaced when the next model year comes along.
Or not–I had those answers, I’d be rich beyond dreams of avarice . . .
Replies
I look at home ownership like we're caretakers of the house during our time of ownership.
A properly built house should last far longer than any of us can live, so it's our responsibility to "do no harm"
That doesn't mean we can't make changes. Even esthetically displeasing changes.
But any work done should be properly done so to last to the next generation.
As a humble HO who grew up in Europe, US HOs really piss me off.
Most people appear to only plan to be in a home for 10 years or less, and plan maintenance accordingly. If it's a choice between the careful pro and the cheap hack, the cheap hack wins out 9 times out of 10.
My most recent experience was with a roof. Discovered that almost all local roofers are hacks, unbonded workers, smear roof cement over everything. Through diligence and perseverance found a roofer who still knew something about metal flashing. Put up 50 year shingles; another roofer told me this was a mistake, after about 30 years you get tired of the shingles and want to replace them. I'm thinking, in Europe they have tile roofs only and expect them to last 100 years.
I like the idea of HO as caretaker. In general I'd like to shoot the previous caretakers of my dwelling, but there was a guy in the 50s who was into Popular Mechanics.....
In my area it's all 1920s housing stock, a lot of HOs do have the attitude of wanting to maintain this old housing stock (and make it more energy efficient). But I suspect it's a distinct minority. Still, though some of the engineering of these old houses makes me cringe, they do have character......
I sold my "new house" built in the late 90's for an older daylight ranch built in the 70's, with some land. I am doing some major remodeling, and its been a pleasure to work on the house. The layout and construction are well done.