Older house renovation can be tricky whether your home gets old or you have bought an old house. At first look, it may seem that you have to change everything – from the creaking wooden floors, shabby windows, to out-of-date maintenance systems. However, these tips will help you sort out your priority and to know what parts of the house you really need to renovate.
older home exterior ideas
Image via: Lushome
Prioritize
In case of buying an older home, check out what features you can keep and what really need to be changed. Many older houses have some features that are worth keeping like fancy windows, woodwork, hardwood flooring, custom cabinets, and other similar fixtures like them. However, the tattered wall covering, dilapidated appliances, worn-out plumbing and electrical systems, and things like that should be removed and replaced.
Do your Homework
You have to have a proper plan to keep your house updated according to the contemporary standards. Sometimes, you just need to do some repair and fixing work instead of removing a fixture completely. To figure this out, you have to do your homework first. For example, you may be tempted to completely remove the lath and plaster walls that old houses generally have and replace them with drywalls. However, keep in mind that new drywalls lack sturdiness, soundproofing, and character of traditional plasters. Many techniques are there to save old plaster walls and ceilings.
If the staircase is in good shape, update it.
Image via: Freshome
Similarly, if the staircases are in good shape, some minor repairs and a fresh coat of paint will be enough to update them. So, preserve as much as you can and save yourself from doing extra work and spending extra money.
Plumbing & Electrical Systems
The plumbing and electrical systems are the thing that you must change while renovating an old house. Over the years, these systems have changed greatly and they are unlikely to meet the code and safety standards of these days. You should replace the galvanized water pipes with copper ones because the former ones will corrode sooner or later if they have not been corroded already. Similarly, the outmoded wiring and electric fixtures should also be removed. Replacing and repairing these systems will make your home safer and more functional.
Updating the plumbing & electrical systems will make home safer and more functional.
Image via: Decor 4 All
Use these tips will give you the head start for your older home renovation project.
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