Undertaking the project of remodeling an older home is a labor of love. You’re bound to find hidden issues and attempt to stick to the budget. You want to protect the cozy charm that comes with owning a home with a history. Let’s explore how to rehab your home and preserve its charm.
Conservative Structural Changes
When you’re working with an older home, it’s common to come across structural issues. These issues could be rotting wood, a leaky roof, or termite damage. Weigh out the pros and cons of gutting the wall versus eliminating it.
Open floor plans are the trend right now, but most homes built in the 1900s don’t offer open floor plans. Some of the charms of older homes come from individual rooms that served a purpose.
Modernize With Caution
The most popular areas of a home to modernize are the kitchen and bathrooms. Before you begin a remodel, take a look and decide what items from these rooms you’d like to preserve. Take a peek at other homes built during the same period to discover the popular style and find historical features you appreciate.
Properly Upgrade Electric and Plumbing
Most older homes will not have updated electrical and plumbing. This issue can be a safety hazard for your family and your home. Hire a professional to ensure all plumbing and electrical wiring are up to code.
Repair Windows and Doors
Windows and doors get a bad rap the older they get because they weren’t properly maintained and let in drafts. You risk losing the home’s historical value if you add new doors and windows to your home. Instead, try weather stripping the windows to make them more effective. If you have to replace the windows, try storm windows that adhere to the home’s era.
Take time to restore the old wooden interior doors and keep those glass handles too.
Keep the Cabinets
Most times, the cabinets only need a bit of love to rejuvenate them. Strip and refinish the wooden cabinets instead of replacing them. You’ll usually find older cabinets created from natural wood instead of the medium-density fiberboard we see today. The older cabinets are going to last longer and help keep the original charm of the home.
Refinish Tubs and Sinks
Typically, homeowners will replace old tubs and sinks with modern ones. This swap is costly and also takes away from the charm of the home. You can refinish a porcelain tub for less than the price of purchasing and installing a new one.
Repair Wood Floors
Another way to rehab your home and preserve its charm is to avoid covering up the original wooden floors. Hire a professional to sand, fix, and restain the majestic floors that were hiding underneath tile or carpet.
Implementing these strategies and adding some contemporary touches that you and the family will enjoy is a great way to create a livable home while retaining its original style. It’s the perfect combination of old-school charm and modern living.
