A one-hundred-year-old home can be a very interesting property; however, its particular characteristics are not always universally appreciated! Here is a list that will help you decide if this real estate product is right for you.
THE ADVANTAGES
Strong Foundations
Some people believe that older homes are fragile and that it is only a matter of time before they crumble in on themselves. And yet, they have proven themselves to be dependable: keep in mind that they have withstood Quebec winters for decades! In fact, these home were often constructed by the owner, with the help of friends and family. Everyone put their heart into it. Plus, at the time, more robust materials like wood were not as expensive and so more extensively used than today.
A Larger Plot
There are tons of real estate developments! Often, to meet the high demand (but also to earn bigger profits), developers offer smaller plots of land. It’s the opposite when it comes to older homes if you are willing to leave the city. In addition to providing more space for landscaping and more space away from the neighbours, a heritage home is usually surrounded by mature trees and a variety of lush plants.
Full of History
If some believe that a hundred-year-old house is full of spirits (to each his own!), it is quite true that it is full of history. Many generations have lived there and, without knowing why, you can feel it when you step inside. If only the wall could talk, what stories they would tell! When buying an older building, you are buying a fascinating piece of history!
At the Heart of the City
If you decide to move to the city instead of the countryside, this type of property is to be found in one of the municipality’s oldest neighbourhoods. As a result, your house could be surrounded by heritage buildings and small local businesses. What could be more inspiring? Just like living in Montreal, you could walk to the bakery or elementary school. How convenient!
Unique Architecture and Fragrance
When we first enter an ancestral home, our senses come alive. Haven’t you found that these houses always have a particular scent that is both cozy and comforting? Not to mention their rich architecture featuring woodwork, wide-plank flooring and the evident wear and tear from previous generations that we would never want to fix. What a feast for the eyes!
THE DOWNSIDES
Small Rooms
In the past, families were large and properties had to be designed to accommodate many people. Century-old homes contain lots of bedrooms, which may be an advantage, but they are often small. In fact, all the rooms are usually narrow; open-space living was not yet a thing!
Renovations and Unpleasant Surprises
The most frightening aspect of acquiring a hundred-year-old property for future buyers is its general condition. The electricity and plumbing, among other things, were installed so long ago that they probably no longer comply with today’s safety and efficiency standards, unless they have been updated since the initial construction. In fact, a generous budget must be set aside for renovations, since some amenities will have to be modernized.
Limited Storage Space
Architects today are very creative when it comes to creating numerous and practical spaces for storage. It can be quite another story in older homes! Tiny closets, limited square footage for storage furniture, shallow kitchen cabinets. One wonders how large families managed to store all their possessions!
Costly Energy Wise
Usually, the more recently built the house, the less it will cost to heat. Why? Because insulation materials and techniques are continuously improving. Make sure that you have enough room in your budget to pay the bills over the freezing winter months or to invest in proper insulation. Here’s a tip: see what you should expect by using Hydro-Québec’s cost estimation tool.
Ancestral homes are not for everyone and while this choice it a dream come true for some people, others will only be made miserable. To help you find the home that meets your needs, call upon a RE/MAX broker.