Buying a new home

Some of the things that I’ve realized when trying to buy a new home:

Most of the homes in Davisville Village, Toronto are old and heated through radiant heat.

This is very different from what I’m used to—in that there is no forced air system.

Radiant heat has it’s advantages and disadvantages:

Pros

  • Radiators keep constant temperature
  • Often is cheaper if you get a good, effiicent boiler
  • No dry air

Cons

  • Radiators take up space
  • Humidity can be an issue
  • Ugly window AC units

Old houses definitely have their share of problems though:

  • Basement needs to be dug-out
  • Creeky, uneven floors
  • People renovate based on their needs
    • For instance some people decided to extend the house all the way upto the end of the lot
  • Windows almost always need to be replaced
  • Most older houses are heated with radiant heat.
  • No forced air (see above rant).

Some of these things I can live with. Others I cannot. I wouldn’t mind a fixer-upper, but the problem is time and the fact that I have two small kids…

Tai