House remodeling is something many homeowners decide on doing as they want to create a personal environment that will keep them happy and fulfilled. This is a usual practice, especially for people who purchased old houses or simply happen to live in one. But, with old homes there come certain challenges. Therefore, if you’re planning to remodel, it’s always best to know what you’re probably getting into and what kinds of potential projects await.
1. Water
It’s not rare for an old house to have issues with water. And this doesn’t only include old pipes. Of course, it’s essential to have your pipes and entire plumbing system checked in order to ensure complete functionality and safety of your home. But moisture in walls can definitely be another type of problem that has to be addressed. This can lead to the development of mold and mildew which can consequently affect the health of everyone living in the house. In that respect, it’s paramount that you have a specialist look into this issue as well.
Interior Drainage System is a permanent solution for wet basement. This is installed under the floor and around the perimeter of the basement in the affected areas using a sealed interior drainage system.
2. Electricity
This is another huge potential issue with old homes. Basically, the most common problem with electrical wiring in older homes is that it simply cannot support the electrical needs of modern appliances. This can cause short circuits, which can be very annoying. But, even worse, faulty electrical wiring can also cause house fires. That said, you have to make sure that your entire electrical system is upgraded and up to date.
3. Asbestos
From the 1940s to 1980s, asbestos was commonly used in construction. This is a very toxic material which won’t bother anyone when it’s in its solid condition. But once it’s broken into a powder that can be inhaled – which happens during remodeling – it can become really dangerous. Those homeowners who are planning a complete renovation of their old home should hire an expert asbestos removal service as soon as possible in case there are any traces of this fire retardant product found. The same goes for radon and lead paint.
4. Foundation
Dealing with foundation problem is a serious project-to-be. This is usually something that people who plan to buy an old home and then renovate it have to deal with. One can notice that there are some foundation problems due to cracks in the floors, windows and walls. What you want to do is make sure that the foundation is completely solid. If it’s not, this is a remodeling project that’s absolutely necessary to take care of first and head on. In the end, you can expect any other remodeling project to be completely successful if the foundation is constantly giving you trouble.
If you want to sell a house with foundation problems, it’s not the end of the world. Although the problem still needs to be fixed, you do have options. You will need to decide if you’re going to fix the foundation problem first and then sell the house, or if you’re going to sell the house “as it is’’ and let the new owner fix the foundation issues.
5. Outdated floor plan
Houses were built differently before as people wanted different floor plans compared to what’s the standard now. So, if you want to get the most out of your home, you will probably have to think about completely changing the layout of your place. There are various things to consider in this case aside from the obvious amount of work necessary to achieve a modern floor plan. Essentially, you’ll have to check whether the materials used are still available in case you want to preserve the rustic vibe. Moreover, some older homes may be considered historical goods, and you’ll have to address zoning rules and regulations in order to successfully make the changes you want.
In all honesty, old houses require considerable investment on your part. This includes some serious and more challenging remodeling projects such as the ones mentioned above. But, that doesn’t mean that an old home shouldn’t be worth the investment, especially if you’re on the lookout for that specific and nostalgic “old house” feel. Moreover, if you already live in a house that was built decades ago, it’s only natural to put some effort into making it more functional and presentable, as well as safer. Not only will this turn out to be an effective makeover for your own personal enjoyment but will also boost the home’s resale value.
