Reclaiming the charm and appeal of old homes

“They don’t build’em like they used to…”

… is often heard by those who praise the virtues of an old home. Many home buyers might talk about the character and charm that exudes from an old home, while others might point to the quality of materials and workmanship that cannot be matched by new homes built today.

In some respects, it’s good they don’t build homes the way they used to because some materials used in the past that were thought to be beneficial have been found to be toxic and/or hazardous. Building materials have changed through the years and continue to evolve for safety, strength, durability, and environmental impact. Many home components are engineered and prefabricated to make installation straight forward, as well as make the home increasingly efficient and environmentally friendly. Floor joists and trusses are engineered to allow for larger and open home designs; while roof and siding components engineered to help reduce heating and cooling costs. Foundation and basement construction techniques and components are designed to be effective in preventing water penetration.

Workmanship has also changed over the years as well. Because engineered materials are typically prefabricated, onsite custom design and installation is not necessary; construction crews are basically required to know how to use and install the pre-manufactured components.

Hazardous materials aside, there is something about old homes that grabs our attention. Because the building materials and components were not mass produced or prefabricated, perhaps it’s the workmanship of the construction that demonstrates that the on-site craftsmen were not just masters of their trade – but artisans.

Although new homes incorporate modern fixtures and appliances designed for comfort, functionality, and efficiency; many are drawn to the antique quality of the old home. Old home parts are highly sought after items for modern homes too. Many are lured by the appeal and personality of vintage home parts, but I also sense there is also something about the durability of the parts that lets them continue in service. Vintage doorknobs, especially the crystal type, are collectible and sought after antique home parts.

Those who appreciate old homes talk about the hearty materials that were used in construction. Compared to the new engineered components manufactured to an exact specification, the craftsmen who built the old home onsite appeared to use ample materials that made the construction feel sturdy and robust. This “over-engineering” is typically frowned upon today; using too much raw materials is expensive and considered wasteful.

Another comparison between old vs. new homes is the lumber that is used in a home’s construction. Some are keen on old homes because they were built from first generation lumber, compared to engineered composites typically used in modern homes. Compared to the wood composites often comprised of glued wood pieces and fibers, first generation lumber is believed to be stronger and more durable. Also known as old growth lumber, first generation lumber refers to lumber that was milled from virgin forests where trees were hundreds of years old. Because of deforestation, old growth lumber is no longer harvested for construction materials.

To incorporate the virtues of vintage and old building materials in modern homes, many reclaim those resources from tear downs. From classic fixtures and hardware to first generation wood, the reclaiming industry has become popular not only to be environmentally friendly – but to reclaim the charm and character of a bygone age.

by Dan Krell ©

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Disclaimer. This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding local real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. This article was originally published the week of February 3, 2014 (Montgomery County Sentinel). Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws. Copyright © Dan Krell.

January 10, 2014November 23, 2021

Protect your home from extreme cold

Seasonal weather can test the integrity of any home; yet winter can present some of the harshest weather of the year. Even with regular maintenance, extreme cold can take a toll on your home’s pipes. Take measures to prepare your home for the the winter.

Burst pipes can not only flood your home’s basement, but it can be a major repair expense. Nationwide Insurance states that among the 30,000 claims they received in the last three years for burst pipes, the average claim was $10,000 (nationwide.com).

A common misconception about cold weather’s effects on pipes is that a rupture is caused from frozen water inside the pipe. However, it’s not ice, per se, that makes a pipe burst; but rather the pressure that builds inside the pipe that makes it rupture. Increasing pressure can build up in a pipe between an ice blockage and a closed faucet; when the pressure is excessive, the pipe can burst.

Experts describe ice buildup in pipes as being more common than people know. Besides temperature, wind chill is sometimes the culprit of freezing pipes; cracks in walls or foundations can allow chilled air to come into contact water pipes. Although pipes can freeze any time the temperature dips below freezing – extra precautions should be taken when the weather becomes extreme.

Common measures that many take to protect their home’s pipes during cold winter months include, “the dripping faucet,” and “winterizing.” A dripping faucet, which is connected to vulnerable plumbing, helps mitigate air pressure that can build up in a pipe. Additionally, many experts recommend sealing areas where air leaks into the home; especially where pipes are located. Some experts also suggest insulating pipes. The materials in the pipe insulation sleeves and jackets is thought to insulate pipes from cold air much like the insulation in your home’s walls and attic insulates the interior from cold air. There is no guarantee that your home’s pipes won’t burst; however, taking precautions may lessen the potential for damage.

“Winterizing” is a term that describes the draining of water and pressure from the plumbing system. Experts recommend winterizing your home if you plan an extended winter trip, leaving your home vacant. Winterizing a vacant home that you are selling is especially important; ruptured pipes are not a surprise you want the day before your scheduled settlement.

Pipes can still freeze or rupture even when you take precautions. If you have a frozen pipe – call your plumber. Opening faucets can reduce air pressure in the system to help prevent a rupture. And although it is tempting to thaw frozen pipes on your own, it is recommended to have your plumber guide you; attempting to thaw frozen pipes without professional assistance can have hazardous results. Additionally, finding a frozen pipe can be tricky because they are often hidden inside walls and between floors. If a pipe does burst, close the main water valve immediately and call your plumber.

Taking cold weather precautions is not just for your home; experts recommend ensuring your car is winter ready, as well as having an emergency kit available in case of a power outage. Additional extreme weather precautions can be obtained from your insurance agent, FEMA (ready.gov), and the Red Cross (redcrossorg).

Original located at https://dankrell.com/blog/protect-your-home-from-extreme-cold

by Dan Krell ©
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Disclaimer. This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding local real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. This article was originally published the week of January 6, 2014 (Montgomery County Sentinel). Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws. Copyright © Dan Krell.

January 1, 2014July 2, 2019

Can a home make you sick?

How safe are the materials that were used to build and finish your home?

There are a number of materials that were commonly used in the home that at one time were considered safe, but are now known to cause health problems. And although some of these materials have been discontinued in residential buildings years after production and use, some can be found in older homes. However, there are other materials that are of concern that are still used in building and furnishing materials.

Lead was used as a residential paint additive for many years to enhance the paints’ properties; it was thought to increase paint durability and speed up drying. Since the acknowledgement that lead has deleterious effects on the nervous system, especially in developing children; there was a push to “get the lead out” of paint and other consumer products. Lead paint was subsequently discontinued and banned in 1978 from residential paints. Today, there are numerous disclosures about the possibility of lead paint existing in homes that were built prior to 1978; homebuyers are provided the opportunity to conduct a risk assessment to determine lead levels in homes where lead paint may exist. Lead certified contractors must be used when making repairs and renovations to homes built prior to 1978 (epa.gov).

Before it was acknowledged that asbestos is linked to a number of serious health issues, including mesothelioma; asbestos was used for thousands of years. The ancients mined and found many uses for asbestos. Considered to be a “miracle mineral,” construction use of asbestos mushroomed in the late nineteenth century. Although there were government bans on asbestos products during the 1970’s and 1980’s, asbestos is still used in some commercial applications (asbestos.com).

There has been a longstanding grassroots concern about vinyl and PVC materials because of the linked health issues thought to be from the off gassing and leaching of phthalates (phthalates are a group of chemicals used in the production of plastics). Vinyl and plastic building materials have also been widely used in homes for decades: vinyl flooring has been used in bathrooms and kitchens; vinyl has been used in laminate flooring; and PVC piping has been used for plumbing. The EPA has been and continues to study the production, use and effects of phthalates (epa.gov).

Imported drywall is a more recent issue that was reported to cause severe respiratory ailments; oxidized jewelry and corroded pipes were also highlighted. Although the bulk of the reports of problems associated with the imported drywall emanated from Florida, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has collected hundreds of reports from eighteen states and the District of Columbia. A majority of the complaints reported that affected homes were built in 2006 and 2007; which coincided with a time when building materials were in high demand due to a considerable increase in construction and the rebuilding of hurricane-damaged states (cpsc.gov).

As a result of the increasing awareness of toxins in and out of the home, the “green building” movement has become popular. Besides helping maintain a healthy environment, a key feature of green building is to also maintain air quality in the home; green building uses natural materials to avoid off gassing of toxins. For example, formaldehyde based materials, which are can be found in some “manufactured” woods and some carpets are avoided.

More information about green building, air quality and safety of building materials can be found at the EPA and CPSC websites.

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By Dan Krell
Copyright © 2014

Disclaimer. This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding local real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws.

November 28, 2012November 23, 2021

What’s your relationship with your home; how homes impact our lives

by Dan Krell
DanKrell.com
© 2012
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Have you considered your relationship with your home? Just like the relationships we have with our family, friends, and acquaintances, we also have relationships with inanimate objects such as our cars, computers, and our homes. Granted, the relationships we have with our cars and homes are not the same as our human relationships, and it may sound farfetched; but if you think about it for moment, these relationships can affect our moods and lifestyles just the same.

Your relationship with your home can sometimes make you feel satisfied or frustrated, and maybe both. But chances are that you were not always ambivalent about your home. At one time you might have thought your home was perfect. Or you may have decided that you were ok with the quirks in the home because you once planned to fix them.

But the reality is that over time you change: your lifestyle changes; your use of space changes. Likewise, your home changes too: the systems become less efficient; the rooms may feel too small/large; the kitchen becomes dated, etc.

Just like your human relationships, your home requires maintenance. Regular maintenance of your home’s systems can help assure that you will be comfortable day to day. Ignored systems can fail when you rely on them the most, leaving you miserable and wondering about your home. Commonly ignored systems include (but certainly not limited to) HVAC and the roof. Having a licensed HVAC professional check the home’s furnace and air conditioning as recommended may not only ensure the system works when you need it the most, but may also help lower energy bills. Regular inspection of the home’s roof gutters and downspouts could prevent future water penetration issues.

Of course, as we continually change and develop, we want our relationships to grow as well. So, it is possible that one day you might look around your home and feel that it’s time to spice up the relationship a little – You might be thinking of some renovations, updates, and possibly expanding the home.

Unless you plan to make renovations regularly, don’t make a mistake and focus solely on making your home “trendy.” Before you decide on a major project, experts recommend you consult with a professional interior designer and/or architect to assist in making choices that can prolong the “freshness” of the renovation.

Kitchens and bathrooms are usually where the most money is spent, and that’s because those rooms tend to get the most traffic and use. When designing a kitchen or bathroom, it is easy to go overboard on the renovation, but even a modest refurbishment can increase your enjoyment of the home.

As you renovate the interior, don’t give the exterior the short shrift. Upgrading the home’s windows and siding not only increases the home’s efficiency, but may also increase the home’s curb appeal when it’s time to sell.

Relationships change and sometimes end; even the most meaningful ones. This is no different with your home. One day you may find that although your home may have sheltered you and your family without fail for many years, you may find that your needs may have changed; you may need more or less space, or may need to live in a different city. And just like old friends, you may one day find yourself fondly thinking about your “old” home where you once lived.

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This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. This article was originally published in the Montgomery County Sentinel the week of November 26, 2012. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws. Copyright © 2012 Dan Krell.

January 13, 2011July 25, 2019

Is your home speaking to you: The sounds coming from your home

Are you familiar with the sounds of your home? While some of the most commonly heard house sounds are snaps, cracks, and pops, the sources are not always identified; house sounds can sometimes be mysterious as they are fleeting and horrible. Many house sounds are innocuous, and have explanations; while some sounds are startling and may be a signal for professional attention.

Many noises that are heard in a home often originate from the drywall, joists, and studs. Often attributed to nails popping from drywall, settlement of a home as well as temperature related expansion and contraction is often the source of the sounds emanating from these components. Although settlement is expected in a home’s early life, it is not uncommon for settlement noises to occur anytime throughout a home’s lifespan for various reasons. A structural engineer can determine if these noises are cause for alarm and/or repair.

A home’s plumbing system is another source of interesting sounds. Popping and thumping noises can occur when pipes are in use; these sounds can even mimic a leaking sound. These noises are often attributed to the expansion and contraction of pipes in use (water traveling through pipes can cause temperature shifts), as well as excess pressure within the plumbing system. Additionally, pipes can also vibrate and be the source of melodic or unpleasant tones. If the pipes are not well secured, they can bang against joists and drywall. A licensed plumber can inspect and repair some of these issues.

Another source of strange and sudden sounds is the furnace. As the air flows through the system to heat or cool a home, the temperature change can make the air ducts expand and contract causing bangs and dings to be projected throughout the home. Although flexible dampers attached to the ducts can minimize noise, these noises can still occur. However, excessive or irregular noise emanating from your furnace may indicate a problem and should be inspected by a licensed HVAC professional.

Creeks and moans can often be heard coming from floors and stairs where the boards have become loose and/or the boards are rubbing together. Loose floor boards can be repaired by shimming or securing the boards.

Arc faults (electrical discharges) can make popping and snapping sounds that are sometimes mistaken for settlement sounds. Experts consider arc faults to be dangerous and need to be inspected and repaired by a licensed electrician.

Sometimes, noises can also be heard coming from the attic. Although the source of these noises can typically be attributed to animals and wind, loud roof truss cracks and pops should be taken seriously and be inspected by a structural engineer. Animals that nest in the attic are typically nocturnal, so they will usually go bump and thump at night. Additionally, wind flowing through the attic can create a variety of noises that are due to loose material being moved around by the wind within the attic space.

Hearing unexplainable noises in your home may not necessarily mean it is haunted; but rather there is usually a rational explanation. Although some house noises could be harmless, others could be a signal that something serious is happening. Some noises should be taken seriously and be inspected by licensed professionals; not only to reduce some of the noise, but to also repair a potentially dangerous situation.

By Dan Krell
©2011

This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws.

“They don’t build’em like they used to…”

How safe are the materials that were used to build and finish your home?

by Dan Krell DanKrell.com © 2012 Google+

by Dan Krell
DanKrell.com
© 2012
Google+