Owning an older home can be both a blessing and a curse. Older homes have their own kind of charm and appeal that brand-new homes lack. But the flip side of that is that older homes also require more care in the way of repairs and maintenance.
The key to making the right home improvements is striking a balance between preserving the home’s history and all the things that make it unique while making it safe and comfortable to live in. We have a few ideas to get you started.
What Condition Is the Home In?
No matter if it’s a home you are interested in purchasing or one you’ve already moved into, you’ll want to get a home inspection. Everything from the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, and everything in between needs to be evaluated.
In most areas, a home inspection by a professional home inspector will cost between $300-$1,000 depending on location and size. That is certainly a great investment when you consider the amount of money you could save buying a home that costs more than it’s worth or what you can afford.
Do some research to find a qualified home inspector. You want one who has experience with older homes and knows all the places to look for potential problems. Find references and reviews by using online resources.
Decide How Much You Want to Do
What is the scope of the repairs you want to make? Will you be updating a few of the areas or doing a complete remodel and makeover? This may depend on your budget or how much you want to preserve. Once you decide which projects you want to pursue, download Frontdoor – the app connecting you to experts. Once you answer a few questions about the house, it will provide you with a list of reliable contractors in the area who can complete your projects.
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You may be able to get a home equity loan based on the property’s value in order to pay for the repairs. The value of the restorations you’re making will also increase your home’s appraised value, so it can well be worth the investment. Be sure and take before and after photos and keep your receipts in order to quantify your investment.
But if the home is one you’re still considering purchasing, negotiate the terms of the sale based on the estimate of repairs provided to you by local professionals.
Keep the Character
Your older home has character and history that is important to preserve. And when you find areas that cannot be restored, you can try to recreate the same aesthetic at least.
For instance, if the home’s fireplaces are no longer safe to use, that doesn’t mean you can’t still recreate the charm of having them. You don’t have to tear it apart and rebuild the old ones completely, though. You can get a beautiful electric or gas fireplace that retains the look and charm of the home you’re in.
Make It More Energy Efficient
When you’re replacing windows, look for double-pane windows to keep your inside temperature comfortable and save on your energy costs.
Smart thermostats will help with that, too. You can buy programmable thermostats that you can schedule to come off and on or adjust the temperature based on the time of day. With smart thermostats, like Google Nest, you can even regulate them from your smartphone.
Don’t Forget the Outdoors
Landscaping can also be important to preserving the charm of your older home. If you really want to retain the aesthetic of an older home, research ideas for period landscaping for a landscaping style that fits the period when the home was built. Or you may want to give it a more modern look.
Check with local nurseries to find out what kind of plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs grow well in your environment. Then contact a landscaping professional to help with things like drainage and irrigation.
Find Your Balance
Owning an old home is a privilege, but one that comes with responsibility. By striking a balance between preserving the home’s character and making it comfortable and livable, you can create a space that’s both livable and beautiful. Then you can enjoy your home knowing that you have done justice to its past while helping it move into the future.
