6 Things To Remember When Remodeling An Old House

Purchasing a home, regardless of size or age, is a great investment. However, for many homeowners in older homes, there is always an urge to make renovations. This could be for several reasons. For instance, they may want to flip the home to increase its resale value. They may also want to renovate the home to give it some modernity and increase the functionality of the home. If you are thinking of restoring your old home, there are some key factors you must remember and address. Below are the six things to remember when remodeling an old house. 

1. You may encounter costly surprises

Image Credit

Like any other remodeling project, you need a budget to ensure you are not spending more than is needed. The budget also determines whether this a project you can afford. As with all budgets, allocating some amount to unexpected costs is usually recommended. When renovating an older house, you need to expect the possibility of encountering expensive surprises. This may be for many reasons. In some cases, the age of the house may cause it to encounter more problems as the property is being remodeled. Therefore, to avoid issues of underfinancing the project, it is better to expect that you would need more. 

2. The damage would need a professional assessment

Naturally, you are undertaking the remodeling project to fix damages you may have found around the home. Although this is a great initiative, it is better to consult the experts. An expert will adequately and accurately assess the damage and provide practical solutions. To ensure that these inspections are done accurately, hire reputable experts in their specific areas. For example, you should consult an expert in that field to assess the potential for water damage or fire hazards. In this case, a reputable smoke & fire damage restoration company can carefully evaluate your home and provide the needed services. You should also have a plumber check the plumbing systems and faucets of the home to prevent water damage issues. You should also consult an electrician to check the home’s wiring to avoid further risks and inconveniences.

3. Check the roofing

The roof is one of the few places homeowners tend to forget about when remodeling. However, this has done them more harm than good. A damaged roof can cause several problems, such as water damage, pest infestation, and structural damage. This can make the home less functional and expose you to more problems. Therefore, when remodeling, take the time to assess your roofing. It may be time to make the needed changes if it seems weathered or has several tiles missing. You would have to either fix the damages or replace the entire roof, depending on expert advice. 

4. Mold and mildew would be spreading

Another thing you should remember when remodeling an old house is that there is a high chance that it is riddled with mold and mildew. Old homes tend to contain a substantial amount of moisture. This is likely due to undetected or unfixed leaks, flooding, and other water damage issues. This causes the gradual growth and spread of mold and mildew. These components do have a negative effect on your health. They can cause headaches, fatigue, sneezing, and coughing, among other symptoms. The best way to deal with mildew is to have it removed by professionals to avoid putting yourself at risk. 

5. The walls could be toxic

Image Credit

During your renovations, you may want to expand a room. This would require breaking down a number of walls. Although this could be seemingly harmless in a newer, more modern home, it is not the case with an older house. It is important to remember that the walls in an older home are most likely toxic. Materials and substances recognized today as harmful were not known to be so back in the day. Materials such as asbestos and lead were used in building homes. However, today, these materials have been banned and restricted. 

6. Check for asbestos

homes built before the 1980s may have walls containing asbestos. Additionally, they could have been adorned with lead-based paint. These create negative health effects when released into the air and exposed to humans. Therefore, it is advisable to know the age of the home and consult your contractor on the best ways to create visioned expectations without risking your health. 

Buying an older house allows you to own a home at a more affordable price. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t convert it into your desired home. However, you should consider the factors above when you set off to implement this project to ensure success.