Common 1980s house problems? We just bought a house in Southern Indiana that was built in 1985. It's our first house older than 2000 so I'm wondering what kind of problem we're common with houses built in this time period? Home Buyer: I want a house built after 1980.
Me: Actually, you might want to reconsider. I've been researching home building, and I've learned some interesting things. For example, lumber quality started declining in the 1980s when old growth timber became scarce.
![Abandoned 1980s House [OC] : r/80s](https://preview.redd.it/abandoned-1980s-house-v0-7ar46vweg1sb1.jpg?width=1100&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8bb15b7971dc57973d434f0236e7d47d828082d8)
Modern wood is fast grown, with less heartwood, making it more prone to rot and termite damage. Another interesting fact older. For tips on evaluating one that needs repairs, see our blog; and, if the house has been remodeled by an investor for resale, at "What are the common problems to look for when buying a 'flipper' house?" Neighborhood and Value.
My wife and I are currently home shopping in the Portland (OR) suburbs and have mainly been looking at stuff built in the past decade. But we have. Looking back at 1980, the median new home cost more like $68,000.
But the 1980s weren't exactly considered an easy time to buy a home. Interest rates can be irrelevant though if you just buy a house cash. Back then a house could cost someone's salary.
I could get that amount in around 3 years. Now in 3 years I could just barely get above 20% down. Reply reply more replies more replies More replies [deleted] Comment deleted by user more reply more reply davidm2232.
Depending on when, exactly, your house was built, you can identify the most common problems in older homes. Buying a home from the 1970s and earlier can be a great option, especially if it has been renovated and well. My 1910 home will outlast every house built in this century.
1980 is nothing. Mid-century is actually the best era of construction imo, all old growth timber with steel cross beams. Buying in the 1970's to mid 1980's With the interest rates rising and runaway inflation that reminds people of the 70's and early 80's.
How did people in those years afford to buy a home? We are saving but inflation will eat into everyone's savings/ disposable income in the next few years.
