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Renovating an Older Home
There’s something special about older homes. They don’t offer the cookie-cutter layout of many newly built houses. Time just seems to have a way of leaving its mark.
But older homes come with problems.
From leaky roofs to dated electrical systems, older properties require extra care and maintenance.
And when it comes time to renovate or update an older house, where should you start?
That’s exactly what we’ll cover here. Keep reading to learn what to focus on when updating an older house.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why Updating an Older House Is Different
- Exterior Home Improvement Services To Focus On
- Kitchen & Bath Upgrades That Are Worth The Investment
- Tips for Budgeting Your Home Improvement Project
Why Updating an Older House is Different
For proof that older houses are different, check out this statistic from the U.S. Census Bureau.
According to U.S. Census data, the median age of all homes currently owned is 41 years old. Furthermore, approximately 60% of the housing stock was built in the 80’s or before.
That means the majority of homes around the country need extra care and attention.
The reason being older houses were not built to today’s standards. As such, many components of your home may need to be replaced.
Older homes may have:
- Outdated electrical systems
- Aging plumbing
- Dated exteriors
- Lower energy efficiency
Thankfully, there are plenty of home improvement services that can restore older homes to their former glory. Just remember to focus on the things that matter.
Exterior Home Improvement Services To Focus On
Believe it or not, when updating an older house, you want to start on the outside and work your way inward.
Think about it…
The exterior of your house acts as a buffer from the elements. By putting extra attention on the outside of your home, you protect everything inside.
Here are a few key areas to focus on…
Renew Your Roof
If there’s one place to start, it’s the roof.
You don’t want to find out your roof is failing when water is already pouring through your ceilings. To avoid disaster, make your roof a top priority during your home renovation.
Partnering with a company that provides high-quality roofing can help. The right roofing contractor can spot problem areas you may have missed.
From damaged flashing to worn shingles, professional roofing contractors can recommend effective solutions.
Plus, the investment makes sense.
New roofing can net you a return on investment of 60% to 68%. Not too shabby! If you’re looking to sell in the future, a new roof is something potential buyers will notice.
Replace Your Siding
Speaking of curb appeal, your home’s siding should be next on the list.
Siding does more than make your house look nice. It protects your home from moisture infiltration and pests.
Installing new siding can help with:
- Insulation & energy efficiency
- Decreased maintenance needs
- Improved curb appeal
- Protection from the weather
Update Windows and Doors
Speaking of curb appeal, you should also consider updating windows and doors.
Old windows are usually much less energy efficient. Not only will your utility bills be higher each month. But your house will also be harder to keep at a comfortable temperature.
You can drastically improve your home’s comfort and curb appeal by replacing old windows and entry doors.
Kitchens and Bathrooms? Yes, but Not Always
Upgrading kitchens and bathrooms can offer a high return on investment. Just remember that these renovations can often exceed initial budgets.
There’s nothing wrong with replacing an outdated bathroom. Or updating your kitchen with new countertops.
But if your cabinets are solid and your tile is in good shape, maybe hold off on completely remodeling these rooms.
Interior Upgrades to Consider
Now that your home’s exterior is nice and fresh, it’s time to move indoors.
When updating an older house, you want to make sure the inside of your home can handle today’s electricity and technology demands. Here are a few areas of your home that might need some attention.
Update Electrical Components and Wiring
Do you constantly have to trip your breaker in your house?
Maybe your lights flicker when you use appliances.
These can be signs that it’s time to update the electrical components and wiring in your home.
If your house was built before the 1980’s, there’s a good chance it can’t keep up with your electricity needs. Older homes typically have outdated systems that need to be replaced or upgraded.
Check Your Home’s Plumbing
Similar to electrical wiring, your home’s plumbing might need to be replaced if it was installed decades ago.
Galvanized pipes can rot over time. Lead poisoning from old pipes is also a major concern.
Not to mention about 40% of all plumbing installed from 1978 to 1995 was made with Polybutylene piping. Known to be weak and prone to failure.
Hire a professional to take a look at your home’s pipes. You might be surprised at what they find.
Don’t Neglect The Smalls
Things like lighting and ventilation matter.
You might want to think about:
- Updating ventilation systems to help reduce moisture in the home.
- Adding recessed lighting or other energy-efficient lighting options.
- Refreshing outlet covers and switch plates.
Budgeting For Your Home Improvement Project
Renovating an older house is never going to be cheap. But that doesn’t mean you can’t plan and budget accordingly.
Here are a few tips to consider when renovating an older house:
Plan and Prioritize
As mentioned before, you want to tackle the biggest and most important areas of your home first.
You don’t want to spend your budget on that fancy kitchen backsplash only to find out your roof is leaking. Always plan and prioritize before breaking ground.
Shop Around
Get quotes from several different contractors before hiring anyone to work on your home.
Prices can vary greatly from company to company. What may seem expensive could be cheap compared to the next contractor.
And always check reviews before hiring anyone.
Prepare For The Unexpected
Old houses come with secrets. You never know what you might find when working on older homes.
It’s a good idea to budget an additional 15-20% for miscellaneous expenses.
If everything goes perfectly, you end up with money left over. If not, you have a cushion to work with.
Phase Your Renovation
As mentioned earlier, you don’t need to do everything at once.
There’s no reason you can’t phase your renovation. Tackle certain rooms or projects one at a time.
Try to prioritize your bigger projects like roofing, siding, and windows. As those things tend to be more expensive.
Wrap-Up
Renovating an older house is fun, but it requires patience and proper planning.
Start with the exterior and work your way inside. The outside of your home should always be your top priority.
Once you’ve finished with the outside, move indoors and address things like wiring and plumbing. Cosmetic updates can come later.
Remember, homeowners tend to spend around 3-6% of their home’s value on renovations. Plan and budget accordingly.
Older homes are special because they just aren’t built like new homes are today.
By following this guide on what to prioritize when renovating an older home, you can restore your home to its former glory.