Ask most people whether they would prefer to live on a Victorian Terrace or a new building. We will probably receive some strong opinions. As piling contractors, we are often asked which type is better considering house maintenance. The truth is, it completely depends on what you need from your property. Here, we discuss some pros and cons of new builds and Victorian houses.
Victorian Houses
The general era when talking about Victorian houses is from the 1830s to the early 1900s. The industrial revolution meant there was a boom in property building as materials were more readily available. Period houses have a certain set of characteristics that make them easy to define and are widely regarded as sought-after family homes.
Pros
Sturdy
Victorian houses were built to last. The fact that Victorian and Georgian houses have been standing tall for decades – sometimes even centuries – proves that they are sturdy structures. By today’s standards, Victorian foundations seem very shallow and in some cases, the concrete footings are no more than 200mm deep. However, the way in which they were built allows the houses to spread the load across the ground, so the weight is distributed evenly. A sturdy structure means easier house maintenance as damage is less likely to occur from natural disasters.
Investment
There’s no doubt that Victorian and Georgian houses are beautiful to look at. It\’s this kind of curbside appeal that makes them a good investment. Some of the sought-after features that are associated with Victorian properties include:
- Bay windows
- Stained glass
- Unique tiles
- Feature fireplaces
- High ceilings
If you are lucky enough to find a property with any of these intact, you’ll have little trouble selling it when it’s time to move on.
Space
Victorian houses often offered more floor space than new builds as they were built at a time when cities were not so densely populated. Because of this, they tend to be bigger than new builds in the first place, as well as having ample opportunity to extend (for example, with a loft conversion or kitchen extension). High ceilings add to the sense of spaciousness.
Cons
House maintenance upkeep
Older houses require more attention from their owners to keep them in good condition. You may find that you need to replaster the walls, have a new roof or address any structural problems that might occur. Victorian houses are often located on leafy suburban streets. If there are trees outside, it’s worth investigating whether your property has any subsidence issues – as the main cause of subsidence is pesky tree roots. If you do find subsidence, your property could require underpinning.
Cold
Victorian houses were made with sash windows that look great but can be draughty. If you ever need to replace these windows in order to keep some of the heat in, it can be expensive.
High ceilings and sash windows mean high heating bills, and keeping Victorian homes warm is notoriously expensive house maintenance. Although it can be tempting to replace the wooden sliding sash windows in a Victorian property with double-glazed uPVC, it completely changes the look of the house. So if you’re going down that road, make sure you explore all your options.
New Builds
New properties often lack the curbside appeal of Victorian houses. Although modern developments such as the Scandi-inspired timber framed models have meant that new builds are becoming more desirable.
Pros
Unused
It’s difficult to argue the appeal of buying a brand-new property. Untouched carpets, freshly plastered walls and double glazing make new builds ideal for families or those looking for low house maintenance. Even better is the warranty that new builds come with, meaning you’re safe in the knowledge that you won’t be lumped with a bill for a new roof a few months after you’ve moved in.
Modern Materials
Building materials are always improving, and recently there’s been an emphasis on sustainability. Many modern housing developments are now taking steps to encourage greener living, whether using solar panels and heat pumps or planting bee-friendly plants in their gardens.
Safe
New properties have to adhere to very high health and safety standards. For example, rooms over a certain size are required by law to have opening windows that are large enough to escape from in the event of a fire. These high safety standards can be especially appealing if you have children and are not necessarily something that all older period properties will comply with.
Cons
Lack of Character
The main complaint with modern properties is that they lack character. New builds are often found on housing developments where every house is a carbon copy of the one next door. For some, this is not a problem. Others enjoy the unique aspects of a period property.
Location
New builds are often located in the suburbs or a little further out of town. This is because the Victorians built properties close to central amenities. This means that new housing developments are often pushed to more spacious areas where there is land available.
Is House Maintenance Worth It?
There are pros and cons to both Victorian houses and new builds. A Victorian property will have more house maintenance, however, you may be willing to trade that for a stunning and spacious home. If you have a busy lifestyle with not much time for house maintenance. And your priority is safety and security, a new build is a great option.
At Dart & Co we provide services for all types of houses. For more information get in touch with us.