Remodeling Your Old Home? Keep These Things in Mind

PropertyFindsAsia|Older homes have that unique charm and history that can’t be recreated with modern design. But while they might be charming, some of the issues you can come across while renovating such buildings are everything but cute. So, if your home is in dire need of renovation, here’s what to keep in mind in order to end up with a beautiful finished product. 

Outdated electrical

Do you sometimes run out of power while running your dishwasher, coffee machine and stove at the same time? Well, some 30 or 40 years ago, people didn’t have that much need for electricity, so your electrical panels might need updating. If your home still has outdated knob-and-tube wiring, you will need to switch to something more modern. This will require professional help and some substantial investment, but once your wiring is updated, you will prevent many dangerous fires and ensure your everyday life is more practical. 

Unsafe materials

Houses built before the 1980s often have various dangerous materials hiding inside their walls (and on them). Things like lead paint and asbestos should be your main concern because they can be deadly. The fact that we have lawyers specializing in asbestos claims tells you just how dangerous that mineral can be for human health. So, if you suspect there’s asbestos in your walls or lead in your paint, contact professionals to remove it from your home and check with lawyers to ensure you’re protected in case of any issues. 

Old plumbing 

The issue with old galvanized pipes is that they corrode and get clogged. So, if you’re exposing your plumbing during the renovation, make sure to invest another grand into PVC or copper pipes. These have a much longer life and will serve you better without causing clogs once a month. 

Shortage of materials 

Want to replace a few floorboards? Good luck finding thin oak flooring. Want to replace your doors? You will spend a lot of time and money searching for solid wood paneled doors. Materials we have today are completely different than those we have today. Building standards and codes also changed, so keep that in mind if you want to recreate your home to the T and retain its old look. Of course, you can still find matching, original materials, but expect to spend more money and time when searching for them. 

Old, flat roofs 

Old homes often have flat roofs that are in dire need of replacing. If that’s the case with your house, what you can do is turn it into a green roof. This will not only boost your home’s curb appeal and sustainability, but it will also prevent damage to your foundation (when it rains, plants will retain moisture and prevent it from ending up in your foundation). 

Impractical layout 

Older homes usually have a separate room for everything. One room serves as a living room, one as a kitchen, one as a dining room, all of the rooms are separated with walls and doors. While this layout used to be popular in the past, people today crave airiness and flow, so you might want to take some of those walls down and open your space. However, this improvement will not only disturb your everyday life but also endanger your structure if you take down a load-bearing wall. It’s best to consult with contractors for this job and ensure your house stays erect for many, many years to come. 

While giving your old home a new life can be very exciting, you can also run into many obstacles until you come to cosmetic updates that are actually fun to do. But, it’s important to handle technical stuff before you start paying attention to your color palette and furniture, so persevere and you will be rewarded with a  safe and practical house.