There’s no question that old homes are a gem. They’re much less expensive than new houses, letting you save some dime. At the same time, they have that nostalgic charm, leaving you with that warm, fuzzy feeling after spending some time in it. However, these rewards come with challenges, too.
For you to enjoy (and ensure safety) in an old home, you have to do some fixes here and there. Whether minor or major, these are the things you should put on your list:
Update your plumbing and electrical systems.
If you bought a home built before the 60s, it’s likely that it uses galvanized pipes within the house and at the sewer lines. The problem with this is they get blocked easily and corrode faster after decades of use. You know well that when a basic human need such as water becomes a problem at home, it’s not going to end well for the homeowners.
Simply because the bathroom worked well the first time you toured the house doesn’t mean you have to be complacent. Eventually, you would find something in your plumbing system acting up. Replace your pipes with PVC or copper. As for the electrical wirings, do check for your safety. Remember that old homes may not be able to support the need for powering modern appliances, so you need to upgrade electrical panels.
Work with experts offering home remodeling. Salt Lake City companies often have plumbers and electricians on their team already, so you won’t have to talk to many individual contractors for repair and upgrade projects like these.
Tear down the walls.
Old homes are notorious for rooms with every single activity — cooking at the kitchen, eating at the dining room, entertaining at the formal living room. This is all good if you’re a fan of the traditional layouts in Victorian-style homes, but if you’re longing for that trendy open-floor concept, which lets you have that open, airy feel and seamless transition between areas, then you need to do some demolition work on those walls.
This is where a design dilemma comes in. As much as you want to have a modern look and feel for your home, you also want to maintain that old charm of the old property. The best approach here is to consult an interior designer and an architect. These experts can help you get the best of both worlds in your new home and ensure that the tearing down of your walls will be safe. Do note, though, that you might be asked to pinpoint features you want to preserve in your home. Just be ready with your answers and be open to their suggestions.
Apply a fresh new coat of paint.
There are two reasons this is important. First, your old home is teeming with walls that have peeling paint, which isn’t a pretty sight to see. Second, the rooms in your home have different color schemes, which makes the entire house seem like a hodgepodge of hues.
Repaint your walls with colors that match your home’s style. Stick to colors of the same family throughout the house to tie them all in. Observe proper paint prep techniques. Scrape off all the cracks and flaking from the old paint and rinse the surface. You may use a damp cloth to make sure it’s clean. Remember to use a primer before the paint. Invest in good brushes and rollers, so you won’t have to reapply and reapply.
An old home presents many challenges for homeowners. In the end, all your efforts will be worth it. Give your old home the TLC it needs so it will look and feel as good as new.
