A large part of the 1980s was a period of prosperity and growth in the United States. Because of this, there was a need for a lot of new and larger homes. During this time period, many people moved into larger single-family homes in suburban communities. At this point, as many original buyers are approaching retirement and looking to downsize, many homes that were built in the 1980s are again listed for sale. If you are looking to buy a home that was built in the 1980s, there are several things that you should expect and look out for.
Aging Roof and Systems
One factor to consider when you are looking to buy a home built in the 1980s is that the roof and other systems could be reaching the end of their useful life. Most roofs and electrical systems are designed to last 25 to 35 years, depending on their type and the location of the home. If these systems have not yet been replaced since the home was originally built, it is likely soon going to be the time to have these replaced. This could be an added expense that needs to be accounted for. Your home inspection should be able to identify if these repairs are needed.
Common Construction Styles
Depending on the type of home that you are buying, and the location, you will likely find that a lot of the homes look very similar. There were about a dozen major homebuilders in the 1980s that were large developers in markets all over the country. These developers frequently build subdivisions with hundreds of homes. In these subdivisions, it is likely to find dozens of homes that have the same floor plan and style as the home that you are buying. This can actually be a benefit when you are buying a home as you will likely have very similar comps to review when making an offer.
More Functional Space in the Home
One of the biggest trends of the 1980s was that this was the first time when home builders started focusing on building homes with larger rooms. Homes built in the 1980s tended to be more than 20% larger than homes that were built in prior decades, and the extra square footage was usually incorporated to make each room in the home a little bit larger. During this era of home building, many builders also started making larger full basements. While most homes at this time were not built with renovated basements, it was a very common trends in the 1990s and 2000s for homeowners to spend money to build out their basement. In many homes, this has created a whole new room for people to use.
Blander Outdoor Space
Another thing you should expect if you are buying a home that was built in the 1980s is a fairly bland outdoor living space. During the 1980s, many exterior home designs expected to have a serviceable outdoor living space, which may not have had much style. While this is not unappealing, those that would like their outdoor living space to leave an impression may need to spend some time and money renovating the existing outdoor space. Just by hiring a lawn care service company and researching some outdoor living projects like pools and pergolas, you can upgrade your space considerably. Custom pool pricing can vary by market, but is a worthwhile project to research to spice up your outdoor living.
In conclusion, the 1980s were a very prosperous time in the United States. During this period, millions of people moved into new construction homes, many of which were built in suburban communities on the outskirts of larger cities. When you are looking to buy a home build in the 1980s, there are several things that you should expect.
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