How do I know if my building is pre-war?

Prewar buildings are generally considered to be those constructed between 1900 to 1939, but buildings that date back to the 1880s are often included in the prewar category. While prewar apartment buildings can be found in many cities, the term is most commonly used in New York City real estate parlance.

What does it mean if a building is pre-war?

Pre-war architecture refers to buildings built in the period between the turn of the 20th century until the Second World War, particularly in and around New York City.

Are pre-war buildings good?

Many prewar buildings have solid concrete floors, plaster walls, thick doors, and other design choices that are high quality and meant to last. These can go through decades of abuse and still come out looking good, while most newer apartments are fairly fragile under the surface.

What are pre-war buildings in NYC?

In NYC, a prewar apartment is an apartment built before WWII, typically between the years 1900-1939. These types of apartments tend to have decorative features like patterned floors, plaster, moldings, etc. Other features can include high ceilings, too, and sometimes larger windows.

Are pre-war buildings soundproof?

Pre War Apartments Pre-war buildings are distinguishable from the other building types because they often have hand-finished plaster walls, solid wood construction, elaborate tiling, and poured concrete floors, which is why older buildings are more soundproof compared to new construction.

What year is considered pre-war?

A prewar building is one built before the Second World War. While the exact years are slightly debated, it includes apartments built in the early 20th century and usually refers to buildings built between 1900 to 1939.

Why are pre-war apartments better?

By and large, pre-war buildings remain a good investment. They also deliver a lot of value to buyers, especially those who plan to buy and hold for at least a decade. This largely reflects the fact that most pre-war buildings are co-ops, which are generally much less expensive than new condos.

Are older buildings more soundproof?

Historic apartments are typically more soundproof than in modern construction. One of the most noticeable differences between historic and new buildings is that today, doors do little to soundproof a space.

Why are pre war apartments better?

Are older buildings quieter?

It depends on the specific sound control measures in place. In fact, many older apartment buildings are much quieter than their newer counterparts because they were built when construction costs were lower.

When were pre-war houses built?

A prewar building is one that was built before World War II, and mainly prior to 1929, since there were few residential buildings built during the 1930s. Buildings are less than 20 stories and usually have large rooms, mouldings, hardwood floors, and high ceilings.

Do pre-war buildings have elevators?

Usually pre-war buildings, walkups have no elevators and are generally five stories or shorter. Most have a voice intercom for buzzing guests in. (Technically, townhouses are considered walkups, but are simply called townhouses.)