Living In An Older Home
Older homes have more character and don't look just like every other house in the neighborhood. At some point, though, you may think about making the rooms bigger, bringing in more light, or doing a bathroom or kitchen remodeling project. On the other hand, remodeling older homes bring up their set of issues. Here are some things to consider before you begin:
Evaluate The House
Have experts examine the plumbing, electrical system, and structure. You will probably want to upgrade the power system at the very least, but you should know what other changes you will need to make. A structural engineer can tell you how much the structure of the house has deteriorated and what changes you can make safely.
Consider The Walls
Many walls in older homes are load bearing because builders couldn't easily support larger spaces. If you can't remove a wall, create an archway or leave a decorative column to keep the floors above from sagging.
Plan For The Exterior
If you're designing an extension, be sure that it harmonizes with the rest of the house. You don't want anything that sticks out like a sore thumb. Sometimes you can use advanced materials, but make sure the architectural details remain consistent. Not only will this help to conserve the house's character, but it will also ensure that it remains attractive to future older- home buyers.
Interior
Maintain as many of the original details - molding, hardware, carving, stenciling - as you can. The renovated part of the house should echo these little touches. Focus on using related materials, colors, and construction techniques. See how many parts of the new house you can keep. Repair vintage interior doors. Repair and refinish damaged floors. And reglaze that claw-footed tub!
Asbestos
Used as a fire retardant and supporting during the 1970s, asbestos is now known to cause life-threatening illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Asbestos is tough to detect with the untrained eye. It can also spread all across the home, lay on roof tiles, within the ductwork, and in the carpet. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests leaving asbestos undisturbed. Contact a specialist to remove asbestos if found. Contact a professional immediately if asbestos is in the ductwork, as when it becomes airborne, it is extremely hazardous.
Some Measure Of Security Regarding Changes In The Neighborhood -
If you buy a house in an old neighborhood, zoning changes aren't likely to change much over the years. This symbolizes that if you're living in a primarily residential and old neighborhood, it's unlikely that too many commercial establishments will get included in the mix. Mostly since they don't manage too well in old areas.
Spacious Yards
Most old-style homes have houses that are built on large yards. This is because the land was cheaper years ago. Having this much room can mean a great deal for you. It could mean additional space for the kids and the pets to romp about or an
Energy Efficiency
Most older homes aren't very energy efficient, but a remodeling project gives you the possibility to change that. See where you should have insulation if any, and plan to add more. Look into replacing windows and exterior doors with more energy efficient models.
Solar panels are also extremely useful; they will use the sun to convert heat and light into usable electricity. Every square inch of the panel will absorb energy which means you get your full money's worth.