Restoring An Old Home
Old homes have a charm about them that is often impossible to replicate with newer construction. There is something incredibly special about living in a home that has been around forever, living amongst history and character while and watching it slowly come to life as we add our own chapter. However taking the right steps along the way can make the process a lot more effortless and rewarding. Here’s a few tips on restoring an old home from start to finish.
1) Assess the condition of the property
Obviously, this is always step one, and includes taking a close look at the foundation, framing, and exterior finishes. If there are any areas that appear to be structurally unsound, it is important to have them repaired before proceeding with any further work. While a lot of the cosmetic things can be potential DIY projects, we always recommend professionals for anything structural. From the roof to the foundation, reaching out to someone like https://fcsfoundationandconcrete.com/ for an assessment is definitely the first step.
3) Start with Structural repairs
While it’s tempting to start with the easy, cosmetic things, without addressing issues like the roof or foundation, everything after runs the risk of being destroyed by further structural issues down the line.
This may involve repairing or replacing roofing, shoring up foundation walls, and fixing any major problems with the house's framing. Once again, it is important to have any professional help that you need in order to complete these repairs safely. In addition, any necessary permits should be obtained before starting any work.
2) Getting to the cosmetic repairs
Once foundation, framing, roofing, plumbing, and electrical are addressed, it’s time to move on to the fun stuff like painting, repairing or replacing flooring, and fixing any damaged trim or mouldings. In some cases, replacing windows or doors may also be necessary. Going for vintage windows or doors is always a beautiful touch - although they may not be as insulated, which may matter more in certain climates.
We also like to keep any old elements of the house that we can, that tie into the new renovation. Original sinks, mirrors, flooring, wallpaper, bannisters, etc - anything that we refurbish instead of replace, we love.
4) High Impact Finishing Touches
From landscaping, installing new hardware, and putting in any custom features wanted, when it’s time to get to the finishing touches, it’s also a good time to address any energy-efficiency upgrades that may add to the livability of the home, such as insulation or solar panels. But if planning for solar panels, make sure to check in with the roof people first as many old homes do not have the plywood base within the roof necessary to add solar panels. Doing a roof in conjunction with solar is often a great idea.
5) The Interior Details
Once all of the exterior work is complete, it’s time to start on the interior! This may include painting, wallpapering, or refinishing floors. In addition, any built-in features, such as cabinets or fireplace surrounds, should be installed at this time. Finally, round off all that hard work with the perfect refurbishment that this home deserves. For an old home, we prefer statement piece that tie into history but still lend themselves to personal style.
Sofas- Look for sofas that are comfortable and stylish but also durable enough to stand up to heavy use. An excellent place to start is at a local furniture store or online retailer that specializes in refurbished furniture. We love a vintage couch with new upholstery ourselves. It’s the perfect blend of old and new and looks inspiring in an older, renovated home.
Coffee table- look for one that is sturdy and easy to clean. Storage space can also be utilized here with the right piece. We love a good statement vintage coffee table to help blend more modern pieces in with the history of the home.
End tables - These are a great way to add storage and style to a living room. Whether vintage or new, make sure the end tables are the same height as the sofa so they can easily be used as a surface for lamps or books.
Accent chairs- Accent chairs are a great way to add extra seating to a living room. When choosing accent chairs, look for ones that complement the style of the existing furniture but don’t overpower the room. Just like the couch, we love a good reupholstered vintage style with a neutral, modern fabric choice.
Restoring an old home can be a rewarding experience. But to keep it rewarding, it’s important to take the time to assess the property's condition before beginning any work and to get professional help when necessary. And with careful planning, it is almost always is worth the labor of love.
