Last Updated on February 24, 2024 by Ali Hamza
Renovating an older home requires more care and caution. The history an older home carries with it is the most attractive aspect. And as such, you will need to ensure that the renovations you will do on the house do not depreciate its historical value. Below are some of the things you will need to consider when renovating an older home;
1. Hiring a Professional
Most people would prefer to renovate their houses to feel more in touch with their new home once the work is done. A fresh coat of paint is relatively easy to do, even with an old house. However, doing the renovations yourself may not be the best way to deal with an older home due to differences in procedures and structures when the house was built versus how it’s done now. Qualified professionals have all the information on what changes need to be done and how to do them safely.
2. Plumbing
The plumbing system in an old home has seen better days. Builders primarily used cast iron and copper plumbing in the past. This means that after a couple of decades, the pipes are sure to start leaking, and the corrosion built up over time will affect the quality of the water your taps dispense. When you are thinking about buying an old home, You should carefully inspect the plumbing system and any issues resolved.
3. Asbestos
There is a significant risk of an old home having harmful toxins such as asbestos and lead. It is of utmost importance that the toxins are dealt with as they are detrimental to human and animal health. These toxins can only be safely removed by a professional; this means you will incur more costs to renovate.
4. Electric System
When it comes to the wiring in an old home, the main focus points need to be on the type of breaker boxes used and the knob-and-tube wiring. Some of the breaker boxes used then are unsafe since they don’t shut off if a power surge presents a fire hazard. The rubber insulation on the knobs which house the wiring may have deteriorated over time and exposed the electric wires. These are some considerations you need to make to ensure that a power overload doesn’t burn down your home.
5. Roofing
If the roof’s life is almost up, you need to consider replacing it before you move in. If the roof still has life left in it, then checking for leaks regularly and patching up problem areas can save you some money before you need to replace it. If you live in Virginia and need some work done on your roof, look for Lynchburg roofing or other contractors in your area with a proven track record that will give you value for your money.
6. Windows
The main concern with windows is usually on how energy-efficient they are. Weatherstripping is a relatively cheaper option than replacing the whole window. The wood window needs to be preserved because it lasts longer than vinyl and aluminum.
7. Plaster
Tampering with the original plaster will significantly diminish the look and value of an old home. It’s suggested that repairs be done to enhance the existing plaster, preferably by a specialist. If you are doing the repairs, make sure you do proper research on the best plaster to use and practice first before starting the work.
8. Time
Renovating an old home is a time-consuming affair. Every little detail is essential, and patience should be exercised when repairs and cleaning are being done not to diminish the home’s integrity. It is a labor of love that, when done correctly, will yield excellent results.
9. Costs
When renovating a new home, you will notice that some materials and parts are costly, especially for the foundation, roof, and windows. Upgrading an old home’s wiring, plumbing, and ventilation system will require you to dig deeper into your pockets. So the cost of the renovations needs to be well thought out.
10. Wood Work
Inspecting the exterior of your home will help you effortlessly find and repair wood rot that is quite common in old homes.
Preserving Historical Values When Renovating an Older Home
Renovating an older home can be a fulfilling experience. Still, it requires more care and caution than renovating a new home. The historical value that comes with an older home is one of its most attractive features. As such, ensuring that your renovations do not depreciate their value is essential. Here are ten factors you should consider when renovating an older home.
Hiring a professional is crucial when renovating an older home. They have the knowledge and expertise to work on older structures safely.
Inspecting the plumbing system in an old home is necessary as the pipes are likely to leak and corrode over time. Ensure that any plumbing issues are resolved before buying the home.
Older homes may contain harmful toxins like asbestos and lead, which are hazardous to human and animal health. Professional removal is necessary, even though it may incur more costs.
The electric system in older homes may pose a fire hazard. The breaker boxes may be unsafe, and knob-and-tube wiring may expose electric wires, leading to power overload.
Replacing the roof of an older home is crucial if its life is almost up. Regularly checking for leaks and patching problem areas can save money before replacing the roof.
Weatherstripping is cheaper than replacing the whole window to make them energy efficient. Preserving wood windows is recommended as they last longer than vinyl and aluminum.
Tampering with the original plaster can diminish the look and value of an old home. Repairs should be done by a specialist or after proper research on the best plaster.
Conclusion
Despite the renovations that lie ahead, purchasing an old home is a great idea. Old homes provide unique historical value that you cannot place on new homes. As long as you keep in mind what matters, an old home can be your dream home.
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