If you’ve been looking through inspiration pictures and wishing your home could look like that, it’s time for a renovation. You don’t have to live with outdated fixtures or a design that you don’t love.
Old homes have plenty of character and unique architectural details that often make them more interesting than newly built ones. But that doesn’t mean you have to keep it as a time capsule and not make any updates at all. An old home remodel is totally doable.
Whether it’s historic homes or older homes in need of some love, you can create a space that retains the charm and gives you all the modern amenities you desire.
Expect Surprises
No renovation ever goes exactly as planned. But this is especially true of older and historic homes. There are some changes you may be able to account for before you start renovating, but once you’re in the middle of a renovation, unforeseen issues can arise.
Because building codes and approved materials have changed from years past, expect some surprises when you start your renovation. That might mean spending more money than you originally expected.
Work with Experts
Your renovation will only be as good as the people working on it. That means you have to hire the right people, especially for older and historic homes. Look for people who have the experience to meet the challenges a renovation can have.
You also want to work with any contractors or designers who you communicate with and who share your style and vision. It’ll make the stressful process go much smoother.
Fix Any Bad Renovations
You may not be the first person to attempt a remodel on your older home. Because of that, you might need to spend some time undoing bad renovations of the past. So you might have to fill holes in the wall or secure loose floorboards.
A previous owner or renovator might have also removed a lot of the character or original details. In this case, you may want to try adding charm back into the home.
Prioritize the Home
In general, most older homes are built to last. But time and elements can put wear on even the most well-built homes. Before tackling any cosmetic renovations, you should prioritize the home.
Check out the foundation to ensure that it’s in good shape. Have your home checked for asbestos or lead and have those removed professionally. Once the home’s bones are taken care of, you can make the style changes.
Embrace the Quirks
Older homes have many features and details that make them unique. There are some quirks of an older home that you may want to embrace during your remodel.
Original hardware, stained glass windows, wood built-ins, and marble fireplaces are some of the features that are often sought-after and can add a stylish character to your home.
Consider Modern Function
It should come as no surprise that older homes were designed without thinking of modern function. That often means rooms are smaller or the home layout doesn’t make much sense for the way we live now.
Even though you’re renovating an older home, you should still consider modern function and how you plan to exist in your home. That might mean prioritizing changing the bathroom or kitchen layout, adding a laundry room to the first floor, or having more closet space.
Make Changes Appropriately
Though you may want to adapt some things to modern life, you also want to be conscious about making the appropriate changes. You still want the new features to fit seamlessly with the home.
Be mindful of preservation. Removing all the walls for an open layout might not be the best option. If you want to live in a truly modern home, it’s best to look for that than to adapt to an older home.
Infuse Your Style
You don’t have to keep an old or historic home looking like a museum. Many architects and designers will urge you to keep certain features or details in an old home remodel. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t insert a little of yourself in the design.
You can strike a balance with paint, wallpaper, furniture, and decor between the original style of the home and your own personal style. After all, it’s your home, and you should be comfortable in it.
Learn About the History
Architecture is one of the oldest art forms in the world. Take some time to learn about the architecture of the era when your home was built. There can be fascinating facts about why certain features were included or how the style rose to popularity.
You may even be able to learn about your home’s specific history and have a plaque designating it as a historic home.
Be Authentic When Possible
Old and historic homes will lose some of their charm and uniqueness if you tear everything out and replace it with something new. But you also don’t want to live in an outdated home. There is a balance to be struck here that will provide you with the best of both worlds.
Try to be authentic to the original home when you can. That may mean refurbishing or matching instead out outright replacing. You may also want to source materials or decor from that era to accent your home.
The Old Home Remodel of Your Dreams
Living in an old or historic home has plenty of benefits like charm and architecture. But they can also be outdated in style and function. No matter how old your home is, if you want to update it in some way, you have options.
However, an old home remodel is not always as simple as its modern counterpart. You may need to take a few more precautions or run into a few more limitations. But don’t let that discourage you from creating the home of your dreams.
Ready to make your home look like it came off the glossy pages of a magazine? Higgason Construction is ready to transform your home to your exact needs. Contact us today to start a home remodel consultation.