Keeping the charm in an
old house
during renovation
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Older houses ooze charm, but they often aren't built to
modern building standards. Renovating an old house can be
tricky, especially if you want to keep the home's original
charm.
Depending on the style and the type of renovations that
need to be done, the home could end up looking drastically
different. Keep these tips and tricks in mind when renovating an
old house to help preserve that amazing charm you fell in love
with when you bought it.
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Matching Colors |
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It can be hard to
match the building materials for older brick homes, but you
should try to get it to match as closely as possible. That's
especially true for mortar on older brick homes. If the color
and consistency of the mortar work is off compared to the old
work, it will be very noticeable.
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Hand Tools
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When installing
woodwork in an older home, you will want to use hand tools to
get the job finished. Woodwork produced in the late 19th century
was done by hand. It is nearly impossible to get a matching
grain using modern sanders, so familiarize yourself with hand
tools when replacing any woodwork in your historic home. |
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Replace Your Roof
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When you buy a home, there are a few things you should understand about the roof. A roof's longevity depends on the material it’s
made from and the general weather in your location. A roof that is designed to last 100 years and hasn't been repaired in the last 70 probably isn't worth sinking money into
patches. A full replacement roof would be better in this situation. Inspect the roof of your house each year to check for broken or missing pieces. If you notice anything
out of place, you should get it inspected by a roofer like
mightydogroofing.com ASAP.
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Hardware
Improvements
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Even if your
home is an older one, don't be afraid of adding modern
amenities to the house in the upgrade process. Home lifts
are gaining popularity among homeowners looking at
renovating their property. Lifts make it easier to move
furniture up and down the floors of a home. They're
especially valuable in multi-story properties built before
electricity was invented.
Home lift experts can help you decide how to
incorporate this modern convenience in your historic home. |
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Upgrade
Windows
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When it
comes to upgrading the windows in your home, be careful
before you book a contractor. Upgrading the home to
plastic windows can result in problems down the road. 30%
of windows being replaced are less than 10 years old,
while wooden framed windows can last a century or more.
Not every window is the same, either. Restoring a house's
facade with wooden windows can be notable in increasing
the value of the home. But those windows on the back of
the house no one sees? Consider replacing those or adding
weather-stripping. Older windows can be made energy
efficient by adding weather stripping and interior air
panels. Curtains and shades should be shaped to fit each
individual window.
Renovating an old home means balancing new amenities with
the allure of the home's old-world charm. The contractor
you consult with should be experienced in renovating old
homes for best results. |
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