From what I know, direct
immediate dollars-to-dollars, painting costs more than aluminum or vinyl siding
but this misses the finer points that we Preservationistas like to talk about.
The over cladding with aluminum or vinyl can trap moisture in the wood frame
causing structural deterioration, mold, etc. The new materials limit color
choices, painting allows all sorts of pinks and greens (just like the "Never
Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols" album) also, historic details and
proportions are watered down by the vinyl manufacturers.
Now, does that decrease
value? It mostly depends on who is assessing value. I live in a town that has
both. The middle-of-the-road house's value is probably not affected a whole lot
if the buyer doesn't care. However, the stand-out houses on the block or in the
"hood" have surely sold faster and for a bit more than their dowdy neighbor's.
Does this increase offset the investment in painting PLUS the other upgrades
those folks have done to their property? I don't know for sure.
Personally, I spent a ton
of time on my first apartment in the city and when it came to sell, did not get
what I had invested (if I had considered the value of my time). But I sold it in
4 days for all cash (back when you could not get a mortgage for 450 SF apts) and
a lot more than I paid for it. All this when other apts were sitting for 3-6
months so I think there is some incalculable value in that.
Eric Hammarberg, Assoc. AIA
Vice President
Thornton Tomasetti
51 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
T 917.661.7800 F 917.661.7801
D
917.661.8160
[log in to unmask]
www.ThorntonTomasetti.com
On costs in a Historic District, she asked, “Does it cost more --
in the short run -- to repair that cornice rather than rip it down? Yes. But does repairing it increase the value
of your property in the long run? Yes, absolutely yes.”
Hmmm. Has someone without a preservation hatchet ever really examined
this widely bruited concept? Does repainting wood siding every four
or five years really outweigh the cost of a cheapo 30+ year aluminum siding
job? I know it feels better - but that is not the nature of the
statement.
Christopher
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To terminate puerile preservation prattling among pals and the
uncoffee-ed, or to change your settings, go to:
http://listserv.icors.org/archives/bullamanka-pinheads.html