NEW HOME OR OLD HOME?

There was a time, before you and I, that people said that they would never own a house that had electric wires running through it.
We've come a long way since then.

The old saying "They don't build 'em like they used to" is true.
[But] That is a good thing. Materials were stronger and methods were more traditional but there are several misconceptions about the old days.
I had the privilege of working with some of the Old World craftsmen as a young carpenter. They grumbled when plywood became more prevalent; they snarled when air nailers were changing the way wood was fastened. They would never "use a stapler for anything but paper".

These methods merely changed the delivery of the product; they did not compromise the integrity of the structure as many think. Architects and engineers have made certain of that. As new products are introduced, cynicism or reservations will always accompany a new idea.
Houses are much safer, easier to maintain and much more affordable. On top of that, they are much more energy efficient.

Many of the things they did as home constructors were actually harmful to us or the building. At times, home builders were careless and abusive with poisonous chemicals. These chemicals are now regulated.
Builders no longer treat every new house with pesticides as they once did. Pre-treating was at least unnecessary and at most, reckless.

At least in North Texas, builders no longer install heating and air conditioning systems in crawl spaces under our house. They no longer embed ductwork into and under our concrete slabs.
They vent clothes dryers to the exterior instead of into the garage or the attic.
They install shut-off valves on all of our gas appliances that don't require special tools to turn in case we need to shut them off.
They install smoke detectors and fire alarms.
They elevate appliances in our garages to reduce the risk of fire.
They install special firewalls, fire-rated doors and fire stops.
They install special electrical devices to keep us from accidentally electrocuting ourselves. They now install devices that can detect a faulty electrical outlet as we sleep. Builders use more fire-rated materials than ever before.
They use plumbing materials that don't rust and that make our drinking water safer. They install water heaters in a way that prevents flooding of our interiors if they leak or burst.

Our homes are better insulated and no longer contain asbestos.
They are equipped with windows that allow more light and keep out more heat and cold. Fireplaces now require less maintenance and provide more heat. Our carpeting and other products no longer contain high levels of formaldehydes. Our paints no longer contain lead.

And yes, they are right. "They don't build 'em like they used to"..........
and that is a good thing.