Who doesn’t love an old house? They have this charm that new houses, particularly cookie-cutter houses, completely lack. There’s just so much character and quirky architectural features that seem one-of-a-kind. But when it comes to old houses, there’s just one issue, and that’s the fact that they just don’t operate as nicely as newer houses do. Sometimes, old houses just become too much.
Any house that’s old, well-maintained or not, you can expect to come across issues here and there; it’s entirely natural for any house, really. Overall, you can expect that they often come with their fair share of challenges, including outdated systems and wear and tear. The good news is that with some careful planning, thoughtful renovation, and a little TLC, you can make your old house operate like new while preserving its historical charm. So, here’s exactly what you can do to make your home operate totally like new!
You’ll Need to Start Off with a Thorough Inspection
While the whole idea of doing some renovations on your house can be exciting (and stressful), since the house is so old, you’ll absolutely need to go ahead and start off with an inspection. You’re going to be far better off if you hire a professional home inspector or contractor to evaluate the foundation, electrical systems, plumbing, roof, and other critical components. Even if you’re a major DIY enthusiast, this is something that’s strongly recommended to not DIY whatsoever. This inspection will help you identify areas that require immediate attention. You want to make sure you get it right the first time, so it’s best to do that.
Safety Upgrades Need to Come First
It’s not only making your house look like new; it’s all about making it operate like new; that’s significantly more important and, above all, should be what’s prioritised. No matter what, safety should always be your top priority. You’ll absolutely need to address any safety hazards, such as outdated electrical wiring, faulty plumbing, or structural issues, before focusing on any cosmetic upgrades.
It’s not only about safety itself, but you don’t want to get into any legal trouble with your local governments; for most areas, it’s illegal to live in an unsafe building that doesn’t meet standards. So, you’ll have to ensure your house meets current safety codes and regulations. But sometimes, safety upgrades for old houses don’t need to be major, even for operating it like new, sometimes it can be as simple as door hardware scheduling, a security system, better doors, more locks, cameras, alarms, you name it.
Restore Historic Features
Almost all older houses have something that makes them unique, so what does your home have? If your old house has unique architectural or historic features, consider restoring them to their original glory. This can include refurbishing original mouldings, trim, or period-specific details that make your home special. This technically doesn’t have anything to do with how it operates, but this is always nice to have for older houses.
Invest in Smart Home Tech
Alright, so this isn’t necessary, but it’s definitely one of the best and fastest ways to get your home operating completely like new. So it might be best to look into some things such as motorised curtains, Google Home, or even a smart thermometer for your house.
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