Home renovation takes time, money, and energy. When you have an older house, what to do then? Remodeling an old house is different from renovating a new one.
Pros of having an older home:
- They are cheaper to buy, so you can save a lot of money
- Old homes have character
- Old houses are in most cases stronger, they were built to last
Cons of having an older home:
- Costs of remodeling an old house are not cheap
- You may find some toxins such as asbestos
- Old home renovation takes more time
Remodeling an old house – tips ad tricks
If you are moving from an apartment to a house, that will be a big change. Especially if you have to deal with an old home. Yes, they are charming, but on the other hand, in most cases, they require a lot of work. If you have purchased a home from the 1920s, then you definitely need some advice and tips. What are the most important things to check and replace? Pay attention to:
Inspect the electrical system
In old houses, the electric system may be a huge problem. No matter are you looking for an elder-friendly home design or baby-proof house design, you must first inspect the electrical system. Contact and hire a professional, you should not do it by yourself. It is not a smart idea to save money on electrical installation, because it is very, very dangerous. There is the risk of overheating and possible fire.
Check the plumbing
Cast iron plumbing, copper, galvanized steel have a lifespan of about 90 years. Older pipes can cause a lot of problems. Corrosion, lower water pressure, rusty, orange water, are all potential risks.
Windows
Replace old windows with new ones and save energy. This will keep your home cold or warm and it will save your money on bills. So, in the long run, it is more economical to repair them. Old windows can match or beat current energy codes but only if professionals do it.
Paint the walls
This project is not that expensive and you should do it no matter if the house is old or now. Fresh paint on walls always looks beautiful. If remodeling an old house, check the walls too, how strong they are before painting them. But, try to keep that old charm the house has. Don’t change that. Also, look for hazardous lead paint in windows, doors, and walls, some old houses may have it.