Are new homes as well built as older homes?

Riverside Homes prides itself on building quality homes. In many ways, new homes are built better than older homes because they are built following the most current building codes and regulations. For example, new homes have hard-wired smoke detectors on every level. Usually, they are interconnected so that if one detector alarm sounds, they all sound. In many areas, smoke detectors are required to have battery back-up. This feature allows detectors to function even when the power goes out.

Electrical power systems in new homes are properly sized for the heavier electrical demands of today's homes, and wiring systems are less likely to cause fires. There also are more receptacles so people need fewer extension cords which can overload circuits, trip people and start fires if they become worn and frayed. Circuit breakers have replaced fuse boxes which can be overloaded by using the wrong size fuse.

Ground fault interrupters for bathrooms, kitchens, and outside receptacles reduce the chance of fire and electrocution.

Much has been learned about the health risks of certain home building products in recent years. The industry has responded by building with products and systems that make new homes better for your health than older homes. Asbestos has been eliminated from shingles, pipe, cement board, roof tar, floor tiles, ceiling tiles and insulation. Lead is not used as an ingredient in paint anymore, and it is no longer used as solder for plumbing. Because of better windows, more efficient heating and cooling equipment, better control of air infiltration, and greater use of insulation, a new Riverside Home consumes half as much energy as homes built prior to 1980.