Things To Consider When Renovating Your Old House

Renovating a house seems like a hectic task to accomplish. However, with proper planning and a DIYer’s motivation, anyone can turn their old house into a new beautiful living space. And if you are planning to live in this home after remodeling it, we suggest you perform every task with a bit of extra love. Nonetheless, if you plan on selling the place, repair and maximize its value.

Renovating Old House Checklist

With that said, listed below are some home reno tips to help you get started.

#1 Get rid of hazardous materials

Houses, buildings, and other structures are built with many harmful materials such as asbestos. This mineral wasan essential part of construction until the early 80s. However, because of its cancerous properties, the government banned its use.

Hence, if you live in a dated house, there is a possibility of this harmful material being in abundance in your home. Your best bet is to contact professionals and have them remove it before you begin any significant renovations. And if you still insist on taking the DIY approach, ensure your safety.

#2 Fix the plumbing

Leaks, clogs, and faulty plumbing give a hard time to any homeowner. Many years back, people used to install galvanized steel or pure copper pipes, which have a life span of around 60 to 70 years. Even if they are not leaking now, they are most likely rusted and can soon get clogged. Another issue associated with old pipelines is that the corrosion reduces water pressure and supplies rusty water hazardous for health.

Hence, consider replacing your old pipelines with new ones to enhance the water flow in your home. While you’re at it, fix leaking faucets and clog drains as well. You can also call a water damage advisor to inspect your property if there are significant leaks, mold, and structural damage caused by faulty plumbing or heavy rain over the years. Re-doing the pipes will increase your home’s value and longevity.

#3 Upgrade the electrical system

Newer appliances require a stable power supply. Therefore, if your old home’s wiring is also faulty, consider updating it. Doing so will probably also save you on your energy bill since old wires are a power sink.

Additionally, if the house contains faulty breakers, there are more chances of a short circuit and a fire breaking out. Old breakers do not shut off when overloaded. Instead, they heat up and cause problems. Also, if your wiring has knots of wires to make them stay in one place, consider replacing them. These knots have cracks in the insulation, exposing the wires. Be careful if there were multiple renovations previously.

Sometimes the house we live in was owned by many different people at different times in the past. And as everyone adjusts their home according to their comfort, you are likely to come across changes and improvements that do not comply with state requirements. You must inspect your house thoroughly before initiating renovation. Sometimes, it is not easy to find all the hidden charges, so hiring a professional for this purpose is better. Once you know all the unwanted changes, you can work on them and change them according to your plan.

#4 Increase space without increasing size

You can create space and increase storage without blowing out the walls. Old house kitchens usually have space-killing shelves. You can replace them with new cabinets with wide pullout drawers and racks to contain many items. Make these alterations to maximize your space.

Similarly, you can add cabinets below the sink in bathrooms to keep all the cleaners, brushes, extra soaps, shampoos, etc. Some people have storage behind the mirrors too, and if you have a big washroom, you can place a chest of drawers in it.

#5 Donate your Junk

Some people have a bad habit of keeping useless stuff. They accumulate everything in the basement, intending to use those items sometime in the future. Well, that time never comes, and the things decay in the store and remain of no good to others.

We know it is not easy to give up your stuff as there are memories attached to them. Still, now that you are remodeling your house and looking forward to living a more comfortable life, you must give up old stuff. Plus, it is of no use to you, but it is as good as new for underprivileged people. So, while you are making your home beautiful, help others in making theirs.

#6 Have a detailed look at the wood

Before starting the renovation, have a detailed look around the house and check for problematic areas. Usually, the wood of the window frames, handrails, and doors rot over the years. These decaying pieces of wood ruin the look of the house and provide a habitat for harmful insects and microbes. So, if you are at the budgeting stage of renovation, add the cost of new wood pieces and repairs to the overall cost.

#7 Improvise with the walls

If your house is 50 to 60 years old, there is a high probability of cracks in the paint and walls. While your budget allows you to repaint your home, walls repair will cost you more than you had calculated. You can go for an alternate instead of repairing the whole thing. If you are unwilling to waste days filling and sanding walls to make them ready for a paint job, use beautifulwallpaperor cover damage with textured glass pieces. These art pieces are acceptable for enhancing the glamour of your place.

#8 Improve Home Security

The benefits of improving home security are self-explanatory. You may have to spend time and money for your peace of mind, especially when you leave your house unattended most of the time. Put a timer on interior lights, TVs, and radios on timers, as this creates an illusion that someone is home. If CCTV is not yet affordable, install outdoor lighting that is controlled by motion or infrared. Prune large shrubs and plant low thorny bushes to deter intruders.

Upgrading doors and window locks is the simplest option. For exterior doors, opt for a locking solution that includes a Grade 1 (highest-grade security certificate) deadbolt. And if you get locked out of your home, investing in locksmith tools would be a good idea. This will save you time and money that you would otherwise spend on professional locksmith services.

Conclusion – Renovating a Old House

No doubt DIYers can renovate their home and save the cost of architects and contractors. This article mentions a few tips for people who are considering renovating an old house. These include calling in professionals for removing harmful substances, replacing old pipes and wires, optimizing storage space, and improvising with wall décor. By following these tips, you can increase your old home’s longevity and value.