Buyer Guides

“They don’t build them like they used to.”

It’s a phrase many homeowners and buyers say when walking through an older house. There’s a sense that homes built decades ago were sturdier, better crafted, and somehow healthier than modern construction.

There’s some truth in that idea — but also a dangerous misconception.

While many older homes were built with high-quality materials and skilled labor, healthy home performance was not well understood. In particular, airflow and moisture control — two of the most important factors in a healthy home — were largely misunderstood or ignored.

And over time, moisture and poor air movement destroy even the strongest materials.

Many older homes were built with materials that are hard to replicate today:

• Old-growth, locally sourced hardwood framing
• Dense plaster walls instead of drywall
• Solid wood windows and trim
• Simple, repairable construction methods

These materials often tolerate abuse better than modern composites. When kept dry and well-ventilated, they can last generations.

But material strength alone does not make a home healthy.

Most older homes were built before modern building science existed. Key concepts that were missing include:

Water is the single most destructive force in a home. Older homes often lack:

• Proper foundation drainage
• Crawlspace vapor barriers
• Modern flashing details
• Controlled humidity management

Once moisture gets in, damage compounds silently over decades.

Many older homes rely on:

• Natural air leakage
• Drafty construction
• Uncontrolled airflow paths

This is not the same as intentional ventilation. Poor airflow allows:

• Moisture to linger
• Pollutants to accumulate
• Mold conditions to develop

Homes don’t need to “breathe” randomly — they need planned air movement.

Warm, moist air meeting cold surfaces leads to condensation. Older homes often experience this in:

• Attics
• Wall cavities
• Crawlspaces
• Basements

Over time, condensation causes rot, mold, and structural deterioration — even in homes built with excellent materials.

Many surviving older homes are not healthy because they’re old — they’re healthy because:

• They’ve been maintained consistently
• Moisture problems were addressed early
• Airflow paths were improved over time
• Updates were made thoughtfully

Others simply haven’t failed yet — and damage is often hidden behind walls and finishes.

Modern homes aren’t perfect, but building standards have improved in key areas:

• Attic ventilation requirements
• Crawlspace moisture control
• Bathroom exhaust fans
• Kitchen ventilation
• Better understanding of air sealing and insulation

When installed correctly, these systems actively manage moisture and airflow, which protects the structure and indoor air quality.

That said, poor installation can still cause major issues — new does not automatically mean healthy.

A 1920s home can be healthy.
A 2020s home can be unhealthy.

What matters is:

• Moisture control
• Proper airflow
• Regular maintenance
• Early correction of small problems

Homes fail when moisture is allowed to accumulate and air is not managed intentionally.

• Fix leaks promptly (roof, plumbing, exterior)
• Keep gutters and downspouts clear
• Ensure water drains away from the foundation
• Use dehumidifiers in basements and crawlspaces when needed

• Use bathroom exhaust fans during and after showers
• Vent kitchen cooking moisture outside
• Ensure attic and crawlspace ventilation is unobstructed
• Avoid blocking supply and return air vents

• Musty odors
• Condensation on windows
• Staining on ceilings or walls
• Soft or damaged materials
• Persistent humidity issues

Small signs often indicate larger hidden problems.

Do not assume a home is healthy because:

• It’s old and “solid”
• It’s new and “up to code”

Homes need ongoing observation and maintenance, regardless of age.

Healthy homes don’t happen by accident.

They are the result of:

• Understanding how moisture moves
• Managing airflow intentionally
• Maintaining systems over time
• Addressing issues early

When homeowners understand these fundamentals, any home — old or new — can be a healthy place to live.

“They don’t build them like they used to” may be true in some ways — but homes today can perform better than ever when built, maintained, and understood correctly.

A healthy home isn’t about nostalgia.
It’s about knowledge.

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