Renovating an older home can be a profoundly rewarding experience. Older homes have a style and character that can’t be replicated by new buildings. The process of renovating an older home requires tact, forethought, and a willingness to walk the line between preserving the original character and adding in a contemporary style. Below are 4 tips for upgrading an older home.
Start with Safety
Before thinking about paint color or furniture choices, make sure that your home is properly outfitted with a solid foundation. Knowing that your home is structurally secure will give you peace of mind as you continue with further renovations. Make sure that you check plumbing and electrical systems as well. In addition, many older homes have issues with pest and insects, so it’s a good idea to hire out an exterminator or better yet hire a building and pest inspector first to thoroughly check your property for a visual inspection of all accessible parts of the property for termites and termite damage, including the interior, roof void, sub-floor, and exterior.
Uncover Original Details
Older homes may have already been renovated once or twice already. Don’t be afraid to remove flooring, carpeting, or wall panels to discover what might lie underneath. Your home just might have beautiful and costly hardwood flooring waiting to be discovered. In addition, don’t be scared to repurpose original furniture or materials in a unique way.
Use New Technology
While it might be easy to think that adding in newer technology to an older home could be destructive, that is actually not the case. New technology generally incorporates flawlessly into older homes, with many heating or cooling systems now coming equipped with the ability to be broken into smaller components. Even AV systems can be broken up into smaller parts and connected wirelessly. Having an older home won’t keep you from modern amenities.
Embrace Unique Features
Even if you do your due diligence and make sure that your home is safe to live in, it still might come with some unique challenges. For instance, the floor might not be entirely level, or the layout and storage space might be less than ideal for your family. Consider these creative opportunities for your home’s unique design to shine through. The quirks and eccentricities of an older home are part of what make them so intriguing and so rewarding to both renovate and live in.
Photo by SV Design
No matter what type of home you choose to buy, the process always comes with its unique challenges. Make sure you are willing to engage in some creative problem solving and to embrace the process.