Houses built in the 1980s

Fire_Fox

Lavendyr wrote: »

Ooh, one other thing - the ventilation can be poor. We have to keep our windows cracked open if we want to avoid the windows getting condensation.

Most modern houses need conscious ventilation because they are well insulated our lifestyles mean the average person produces several pints of water per day. It's generally more effective to give the house a big blast daily rather than using trickle vents or keeping windows open a crack. Some families do this by accident with, say, having dogs or children in and out of the back door all day.

Lavendyr

Fire_Fox wrote: »

Most modern houses need conscious ventilation because they are well insulated our lifestyles mean the average person produces several pints of water per day. It's generally more effective to give the house a big blast daily rather than using trickle vents or keeping windows open a crack. Some families do this by accident with, say, having dogs or children in and out of the back door all day.

True but unfortunately with our working schedules we don't have the luxury of a big blast daily and have to make do with the trickle! Have considered a dehumidifier and still vaguely considering it.

When we had the survey done on our house, the surveyor commented that more modern double glazed windows would have built in vents to improve ventilation.

As context for my experience - brought up in a 30s house which didn't have ventilation issues (obviously not that well insulated), lived in a Victorian terrace for a while which was similar. I then moved into a brand new build which didn't have quite such apparent ventilation issues as the last two houses I have lived in, which have both been 80s builds.

Fire_Fox

Lavendyr wrote: »

True but unfortunately with our working schedules we don't have the luxury of a big blast daily and have to make do with the trickle! Have considered a dehumidifier and still vaguely considering it.

When we had the survey done on our house, the surveyor commented that more modern double glazed windows would have built in vents to improve ventilation.

As context for my experience - brought up in a 30s house which didn't have ventilation issues (obviously not that well insulated), lived in a Victorian terrace for a while which was similar. I then moved into a brand new build which didn't have quite such apparent ventilation issues as the last two houses I have lived in, which have both been 80s builds.

Yes, older houses have fireplaces and leaky windows and floorboards with air bricks that effectively ventilate. I don't know why surveyors like trickle vents so much, I've heard of many cases of condensations with these. I just don't think they let enough air in and water out or maybe they lull some residents into a false sense of security where they think they can shower without opening the windows? IMO lifestyles have changed a lot over time, power showers are so much more common as is daily showering.

Carfal

Be aware that original items may be nearing the end of their efficient life-span or not meet current standards (electrics, loft insulation). Check whether or not house has cavity wall insulation. Mine does, but others built around same time - late 80s - nearby do not.

The only issues with my house, other than replacing the inefficient boiler, have been the lack of plug sockets for life's modern gadgets
and problems arising with the recently refitted kitchen and bathroom.