It’s a significant talking point amongst construction workers and homeowners: has construction quality really declined over time, or is it simply a matter of selective bias?
A quick scroll through social media often reveals videos and comments highlighting defects in modern new build developments, with many showing off the state of today’s building quality.
Although what’s rarely discussed are the flaws in older buildings, which might actually be worse in terms of construction standards.
This begs the question: are we comparing poor-quality details from past constructions to today’s more refined builds? In reality, building quality may be improving on average, despite the louder complaints about modern methods and materials, here’s why;
Building Standards Today Are Stricter Than Ever Before
Construction standards today are more rigorous than ever before, and this is a major factor in why homes and buildings are generally built better now than in the past.
Before, building codes were either non-existent or far less detailed, which led to inconsistent practices across the UK.
Nowadays, code enforcement is more widespread, with standardised regulations that ensure safer, more reliable structures. With incidents like the Grenfell disaster and countless other incidents that came as a result of poor construction, today’s buildings are required to meet stringent fire safety standards, alongside many more requirements like energy efficiency and structural integrity.
Not to mention, these codes are constantly developing to ensure new buildings meet higher safety, durability, and sustainability standards.
Modern Construction Requires More Engineering, Not Less
In modern construction, the need for engineering is more widely recognised today than it was decades ago. With larger homes, expansive window designs, engineered floor and roof systems, much of today’s construction requires specialised planning and engineering. Older buildings on the other hand typically used more conventional techniques without much need for engineering expertise.
Why Old Materials Weren’t Always Better
One of the most common arguments about older buildings is that they were made with better materials, but this is not necessarily the case.
Yes, it’s true that older homes used high-quality materials like old-growth timber but these materials were not always ideal for modern needs. For example, much of the old wood used in construction today is either no longer available or too expensive.
The strength of old-growth timber and some other materials was unparalleled, but it was often unsustainably sourced, which led to the depletion of these forests.
Modern construction compensates for the lack of such materials by using engineered woods and other sustainable alternatives, which, though different in composition, are better designed to meet the new engineering standards. Today’s building materials are selected for their ability to perform over time and under stress, offering benefits that older materials couldn’t always provide.
As always, you get what you pay for, and sourcing building materials from merchants like Emerys is a must.
Are Older Homes Really Built Better?
Short answer, no.
The idea that older homes were built better is often held by those who romanticise the past, but in reality, many older homes have serious structural issues that would not be acceptable in today’s builds.
Anyone who regularly inspects homes built before 1960 can vouch that many older houses suffer from unlevel floors, poor ventilation, substandard foundations, and outdated wiring and plumbing.
Character, yes. Structural integrity, not so much.
Don’t take for granted the basic features we have today, such as proper insulation, safe electrical systems, and stronger structures.
The truth is that 95% of homes built before the 1960s were not built well by modern standards, and in many cases, they would not pass current building codes. While older homes may offer a sense of nostalgia, they often fall short in terms of quality and safety.
So Why Do Concerns About Quality Persist?
If modern construction is, in many ways, superior to older builds, why do concerns about quality persist?
The answer lies partly in the visible flaws that tend to dominate the conversation on social media and other platforms. When we see issues like cracks in new walls or leaks in newly built apartments, we’re quick to criticise the materials or methods used. However these problems often overlook the fact that modern construction generally follows stricter guidelines and uses more advanced materials.
The reality is that every industry whether it’s medicine, technology, or agriculture has advanced over the years, and construction is no different.
The perception that construction quality has declined may stem from selective bias or a misunderstanding of how modern techniques and materials work, especially when compared to the perceived “better” quality of older homes.
No industry is perfect; there is always room for improvement, and there will always be bad apples that let quality down from time to time.
