Restoring an old house is the dream of a lifetime for many homeowners. Older homes have a charm that’s unmatched by modern buildings. They also have their own unique problems that often make renovation difficult and expensive. Here are three important things you should be on the lookout for when restoring an older house.
Foundation Issues
If you’re restoring an older home with a basement, you’ll need to look very carefully for signs of foundation damage or settling. Over many decades, the weight of a house can cause the concrete blocks supporting it to crumble and the walls to bow inward. Left unchecked, this kind of foundation damage represents a very real threat to the house’s structural integrity. Over time, it can cause walls in the above ground part of the house to slant or floors to become uneven. If you do see foundation damage, be sure to have it repaired as soon as possible by a professional foundation repair contractor.
Water Damage
Like foundation damage, water damage is something that’s apt to happen to a house over enough decades. Whether it’s from a leaky roof, a burst pipe or water infiltration around weak spots in gutters, water damage is a very serious problem. In addition to damaging materials exposed to it, water can also create a moist environment that’s perfect for mold growth. Once mold is growing in your home, it can be both difficult and costly to have it fully removed. So,if you see signs of water damage, be sure to address it right away. If you already have mold spreading as a result of water infiltration, have a mold remediation specialist come in to head off the problem.
Crumbling Plaster
Many older homes have walls or ceiling coated in plaster. Although plaster looks great, it has a tendency to crumble as it ages. If this is the case in your house, consider having a construction or painting company come in to remove the crumbling plaster, clean up the underlying surface and apply a new layer of plaster. By doing this, you’ll retain the original look and feel of the house without having to deal with plaster chips falling off of your walls.
Restoring an old house comes with its own challenges, but it’s an extremely rewarding experience. Be on the lookout for these three common problems when you start working on your property, and you’ll be able to get even an old and run-down home back into good shape.