Los Angeles

[SunburstSky]

Hi,

Long time lurker coming into the sunlight.... Thanks for the all the knowledge shared here!

Starting to consider buying a house in the Burbank area. Smaller 3/2, 2/2, 2/1 homes in the Magnolia Park section is of interest, so it's the Burbank flats, not the area east of the 5 freeway that's against the mountains or near Glendale. This flats area has homes built from the late 1920's to the 1960's.

Do you feel any particular home building decade was/is better quality than another? Any specific concerns or issues that appear in certain decades of homes to be aware of since building codes and construction techniques evolve and change?

[REINVESTOR]

I'm also currently looking in BBK. I prefer a major fixer.

I recommend buying post WW II home. If you decide to do a major remodel it will be a easier due to the framing studs used post WW II. Current callout is 2 x 4 but true measurements are 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 . Pre WWII measurements where around 1 5/8 X 3 5/8. 

Good Luck

[StudioCityGuy]

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REINVESTOR wrote:

I'm also currently looking in BBK. I prefer a major fixer.

I recommend buying post WW II home. If you decide to do a major remodel it will be a easier due to the framing studs used post WW II. Current callout is 2 x 4 but true measurements are 1 1/2 x 2 1/2 . Pre WWII measurements where around 1 5/8 X 3 5/8. 

Good Luck

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Nope. Older 2x4 were actually closer to actually being 2"x4" because carpenters would often plane their own studs. Current nominal 2x4 corresponds actually to 1-5/8"x3-5/8" due to the mills' planing process to give rough sawn wood the finish you find with the suppliers. The 1-5/8"x3-5/8" may vary a bit when at the jobsite as wood dimensions change with its moisture content - there's however no way that it will go down to 1-1/2"x2-1/2"...

[lonestager]

Most homes from those eras have been remodeled to one degree or other, and it's usually the remodeling work that causes the most issues(ie bad floor plan, lack of windows, ugly materials). Look for a home that has been well maintained over the years.  Older homes can have asbestos issues, and galzanized plumbing (both bad/expensive to deal with).

IMHO Burbank is a good solid investment for the next decade.  Good luck!

[REINVESTOR]

I meant 3 1/2 for newer studs.  I bought a 1925 Spanish bungalow and took it down to the studs.  The challenge started when I started to replace damaged studs on exterior walls. The stucco did not allow me to be flush with existing studs. I had to use a planer to get flush. It was just a pain.  Every inch counts when your remodeling.  I have also remodeled post ww2 homes and found it more pleasant.