While some people want a new home because they don't want to be bothered with repairs, often it becomes easier to buy an older home for less money up front - and then spend on repairs and upgrades over time. There is a saying "they don't build things like they used to" - which is very true in home construction. Older homes tend to be built much better, labor costs were lower in the old days, so builders would use better materials and spend more effort in building homes to last. Today with the growing costs of timber and other building materials, as well as higher labor costs, builders tend to take "shortcuts" in construction - both in sub-standard workmanship (to save labor costs) as well as lower grade materials. Most homes are constructed of wood (or have substantial wood content). In the past trees were allowed to grow to an older age which made that wood sturdy and long lasting. Today, trees are farmed like vegetables with quick cut down times, and young wood does not have the same strength or quality as aged wood. (continued below)

Another big problem with older homes is that they may not be energy efficient, especially in cold climates. Home heating bills are among the highest recurring expense for home owners. Older windows were simply not efficient, with single pane glass and drafty loose fitting frames. Newer homes usually have double pane insulated windows and draft free sealed frames. Older homes will require upgrades to their windows to avoid astronomical heating bills during winter (and cooling bills during summer). Exterior doors on older homes also suffered from the same draft problems. Newer doors have better door edge and door frame insulation, which eliminates drafts and energy waste. Older homes should also have their exterior doors replaced (or upgraded) to save money in the long run. (continued to top right)