"The median size of a new home increased from 1,938 square feet in 1990 to 2,300 square feet in 2016, but lot sizes during this same period decreased from 8,250 square feet to 6,970 square feet." The exception, oddly, is council or housing association-built property which was held to a much higher construction code than private developments - although this too took a turn for the worse in the 1990s. The leaky homes crisis is an ongoing construction and legal crisis in New Zealand concerning timber-framed homes built from 1988 to 2004 that were not fully weather-tight. There are problems to look for when buying an old house you should be … Our second home was built in 1990 and although larger and had new things in it, I longed for the old house we left. Over time, even the most solidly built homes can form cracks and unevenness in the foundation slab. But there are differences and it's important to know what you have in your own home and understand how to maintain it. Unfortunately, it can also bring with it a lot of issues that you may not be prepared for. Recently, too, homes have gotten bigger, especially since the 1990s: homes built in the current decade are 80% bigger than the typical 1940s home. When inspecting an older home, check for doors and windows that jam easily, visible wall cracks, cracked tile, and uneven floors, as these are common signs of foundation problems. This can cause corrosion, dry rot, moisture damage, and other risks. There were great homes built in the 90s and great homes built in the 2010's. What seems like a great deal at first may ultimately cost way more than you bargained for. So check out the guides below to shed light on some of the most commonly found issues in homes of this age. Environmental problems are a new and growing area of home defects. Common Issues With Older Homes Buying an old home may allow you to live in a stylish, affordable piece of history. Each decade is known for its own home trends. There were also many many more crapy homes built in both the 90s and 10s. Houses built in the 1970’s are also likely to still have many original items such as appliances and heating/AC systems that are likely worn out. Some buildings have become unhealthy to live in due to moulds and … We’ve seen a lot of the 80s these past couple of years (neon, Southwestern style), much of which is still with us today. They include lead-based paint (common in homes built before 1978), asbestos, formaldehyde, contaminated drinking water, radon and leaking underground oil tanks. The problems often include the decay of timber framing which, in extreme cases, have made buildings structurally unsound. There’s not necessarily a clear-cut start or finish: they overlap with past years, and also come with their own modern twist. It all depends on the individual property. But, if history is our guide, some of the 90s is next. 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