I finally picked a 1950s ranch over a new build in Plaza Midwood

I had to choose between a fully gutted mid-century ranch in Chantilly and a brand new townhouse near Central Ave for the same $450k price tag. I went with the ranch because the lot was twice as big and the hardwood floors were original, but now I'm dealing with old plumbing that backs up every time it rains hard. Anyone else take a fixer-upper over something shiny and regret it?

2 comments

2 Comments

nora_barnes1mo ago

Old plumbing's just the price of admission for character in this town, seems like. I've noticed people buy the story of a house more than the house itself - the idea of restoring something vs the reality of every single thing being 60 years old and held together with hope. You'll get there with the plumbing but it's gonna be a slow burn, like every mid-century charm project I've seen friends tackle. The new builds just trade old problems for new problems like paper thin walls and builder grade cabinets that fall apart in two years.

spencer_wood1mo ago

Wait, you paid $450k for a ranch in Chantilly with bad plumbing? Man, that's rough. I get the appeal of the big lot and original floors but having your basement flood every time a cloud rolls through makes me wince. You basically bought a house that's gonna nickel and dime you for the next five years on plumbing fixes. I hope you at least got an inspection to know what you're getting into before you signed those papers.