Original Features
Every Hommes home includes each of these fine features:
- All utilities underground.
- Double entry door and spacious foyer.
- Waste King Universal eye-level "penthouse" double oven electric range, hood, dishwasher and garbage disposal.
- Decorator kitchen cabinets in striking color combinations.
- Ceramic tile and sleek formica kitchen counters.
- Lanai kitchens with serving pass-through window to patio and exterior bar.
- Master bedroom suites with private bath-most models with a walk-in closet.
- Cultured marble pullman tops in baths.
- Contemporary leakproof fiberglass tubs and showers with three (3) year manufacturer's guarantee.
- Recessed hallway lighting.
- Colorful vinyl asbestos tile flooring in entry hall, kitchen, family room and bathrooms.
- Decorator type folding wardrobe doors in most models.
- Decorator light fixtures.
- Custom hardware.
- Aluminum sliding glass doors to patios.
- Sliding aluminum windows.
- Plumbing and utilities for automatic washer and electric dryer.
- Glass lined 40 gallon - 50 gallon in two story models - water heater with 5 year unconditional guarantee.
- Concrete driveways and patio stoops.
- Forced air heating system with thermostat and galvanized ducts.
- Cultured marble wet bar tops in some models.
- Masonry fireplaces with gas log lighters.
- Insulated ceilings.
- Guaranteed five (5) year termite protection.
- Copper water lines.
- Quiet light switches by General Electric.
- Grounded convenient outlets throughout.
- Fenced rear yards.
- Seeded front lawns.
- Cedar wood shingles on most models with cedar wood shakes on some models.
- Two car garages with custom custom designed doors
- Original Marketing Copy
New buyers or homeowners contemplating a renovation should be aware that some of the features listed above are no longer considered state of the art, have reached the end of their lifespan, and have likely been updated over the last 50 years.
A knowledgeable home inspector will point out visible updates and potential issues with older building systems and components like roofs and sewer lines. A good resource about San Diego homes built in this period I discovered is A Guide to Buying an Older Home by the Real Estate Inspection Company.
Also be aware that permitting was less stringent in the past so there might be no records of non-structural changes like the following:
- Original aluminum window replaced with vinyl replacement windows.
- Original cedar shakes or shingles over lathe overlayed by asphalt shingles.
- Original asbestos flooring covered up by porcelain tiles or floating wood/vinyl planks.
- Changes in bathroom and closet layouts.
- Doorways or windows reduced by a kitchen expansion.
This is normal with an older home and should not scare you from buying or renovationing one after doing your due diligence.