Historic homes are some of the best examples of hand crafted architecture as they display the capabilities of humans in decades past. North Carolina is one of the original thirteen colonies of the United States, and has a rich history of architecture. Throughout the cities like Winston Salem and Greensboro, the succession of architectural styles are apparent as the colonial turn of the century homes evolve into bungalows which then concluded with the mid century style homes that proceeded the modern look evident in home design today. Many aspire to own these unique pieces of real estate that preceded the mid century movement as no homes were built quite like these, but that may be a good thing.
Products become better with age and as building entered a new millennium, the method of doing so began to change. After the earthquakes of California and the rampant fires of many US cities in the 1800s and 1900s, building began to prioritize safety. Building codes began to trickle down to everyday construction in hopes to preserve these structures for as long as possible. Comparing a 1930s bungalow style home to a new construction home in 2022, you will find many differences. In the early 1900s, builders constructed everything out of wood and neglected to install insulation between the exterior siding and the interior walls. Plumbing was also very different back then, instead of durable pex pipes, cast iron that was susceptible to corrosion was installed virtually everywhere. Homes were also wired much differently prior to the 1960s and 1970s. Knob and tube wiring was the norm when electricity was in its infancy as these bare wires wrapped around porcelain knobs and required no grounding mechanism. In modern construction insulation is installed in every exterior wall throughout the home, plumbing is made possible through plastic pex pipes that are safer against corrosion, and wiring now requires a ground and more insulation than its knob and tube precursor. Residential construction in the modern era is similar in concept to construction in the past, but different in execution. Many components of the home have been improved over time to prevent risk when operating everyday items such as electricity or plumbing.
In addition to the structural changes that brought residential construction to the modern era, a change in style contributed to the low maintenance dwellings many enjoy today. During the inception of the United States, colonial architecture was the norm. The colonists adopted similar styles to their English counterparts, but this all began to change after the Declaration of Independence was drafted. In hopes of building a country that prioritized individual liberty, the colonists began implementing touches of Greek architecture into colonial construction as many of these principals, such as a democracy, were pioneered in Athens. This architectural style reigned supreme in the United States during the 19th century as southern plantations featured grand columns with colonial style dormers. Towards the end of the century, the style began to shift to a more ornate and less uniform design, thus the victorian era bloomed. Homes were now masterpieces of intricate wood work and over the top styling, however, this era would not last long and the early 1900s signaled the age of a new type of construction. During the 1920s as the industrial revolution bled into the “roaring 20s,” ordinary people began populating cities and owning their own homes, as a result, the demand for a modestly styled home with functionality and charm was born. The bungalow movement began in the early 1900s and concluded around the 1940s, but as this movement was underway, a new style was born. Art Deco was conceived in Paris in the 1920s and was the birth of the modern movement, streamed lines and symmetry were at the forefront of this design as it lasted well into the 1940s. After the second world war, many returned from overseas creating demand for more middle class homes. With the inspiration of architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, architecture was simplified as the “less is more” design thesis was implemented in the mid century era of modern construction. Even as the majority of the homes constructed to make way for the veterans returning home were not modern, they adopted the low pitched roof and simple lines that were pioneered by Wright. The transformation of residential architecture from the inception of the United States to the mid century era displays a progression of concise design; as a result of the simplified edifices, these structures required less maintenance.
Most individuals living in Greensboro, North Carolina today do not reside in these stately historic homes, but they sometimes inherit them. Statistically speaking, elderly folks are more likely to reside in a home built prior to the modern era. This is unfortunate as these homes require much maintenance and retired couples living in these homes oftentimes lack the desire or expendable funds to keep their properties up to par. This situation often worsens when the inevitable happens and older folks pass away, leaving their maintenance heavy dwellings to a family that has funeral expenses to cope with. Older homes are beautiful and charming when they are not money pits, but they oftentimes end up in such a situation when they are passed from one generation to the next. Instead of fixing these homes, by choice or lack of means, families that inherit homes that are past their prime oftentimes end up listing them to find that most buyers are looking for something move in ready. Instead of paying a realtor to sell a potential enriched home to a market that cannot see it, sell it to a company that can. Locally owned and operated in Greensboro, Helpful Homes is a real estate acquisitions company whose founder has a love of older homes and returning them to their former glory. Instead of dealing with the headache of repairing a home that has extensive damage, call Helpful Homes and get your free cash offer. Unlike many real estate companies that claim to do the same thing, someone from Helpful Homes will be happy to meet you face to face and discuss your needs to make sure we are the best option for you.
Mid-Century Modern Asheboro, NC
Living in the rip van winkle state has long been the site of many architectural masterpieces and those living in the Triad often aspire to live in homes built before modern times. Greensboro is the third largest city in North Carolina and the gate city has its fair share of unique architecture. Neighborhoods such as Fisher Park, Old Irving Park, Sunset Hills, and Lindley Park are abundant with these historic homes, making them great markets for those who repair homes for a living, as many of these homes often need it. Over time building has become safer and simplified, even as it is not always as aesthetically pleasing as historic homes, modern construction saves homeowners thousands of dollars as they are more energy efficient and run a lower risk of failing systems. If you find yourself with an older home and without the want or means to repair it correctly, call the company that has years of experience, Helpful Homes.