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FoggyBottomBreakdown t1_j4meomp wrote

Reply to comment by NPRjunkieDC in Purchasing my first home (condo in DC) and could use recommendations by vje04519

>My only advice is to buy in a building built before 1945. In DC, that means before 1920.

What’s the difference in years account for here?

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NPRjunkieDC t1_j4mhgyo wrote

Construction is a race to the bottom that has accelerated even quicker in the last 20 years .

Cheaper materials, bad workmanship, and greed are the worst ingredients for a building, and that is happening in DC .

Also, the best locations were taken a hundred years ago. So if you want to live centrally located, these buildings are the best . On 16th, in Kalorama/AdMo, in Logan Circle, etc.

The spaces are larger , windows stronger, more natural light , hardwood floors, etc.

New buildings shine like Legotown near Union Market. Doorman, gym, whatever but no bones .

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FoggyBottomBreakdown t1_j4mqjk1 wrote

This makes sense, older construction over new, but curious as to why you call out pre-1945 and then say “in DC that means before 1920.” Is pre-1945 a good benchmark for some locations but not in DC for some reason?

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NPRjunkieDC t1_j4mrub5 wrote

After 1945, they invested the drywall + synthetic insulation . Windows nowadays have a 25-year warranty vs. 100+

Drywall is great if you need to knock out a wall.

The busiest bus route in DC is 16th St. I lived steps from the bus stop, and we couldn't hear the buses stopping and going every 2-3 mins. A few times with total silence, I heard "the fare is one dollar and...".

The stone walls were so thick on the facade and great windows, so heating and cooling was easier.

In some cities even 1960-1970 ok but most old developments in DC is pre-1920

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