Many older homes are lovely and classic, but they’re priced low because they are just not in good condition. If you’re interested in renovating an older home, you can make it a success, but it’s a good idea to know what you’re getting into. You should consider the following when looking at a potential renovation.
Check If the Home Was Vacant
If the house has ever sat without tenants, it’s possible that some things were left uncared for. This can result in more problems than you really want to handle. Even if it was left vacant at times, such as if it were used for a summer home, you should check thoroughly for potential issues such as plumbing problems, pests, and more.
Determine If the Basics Are in Good Condition
The first thing to look at when you’re considering a house is the roof, windows, and boiler. These tend to be the most expensive areas to fix up and they’re going to affect how much money you put into the place. A home inspection will turn up the more detailed issues, but you should be aware that there are some things that will be obvious from the start and should cross those homes off your list immediately.
Watch for Water Damage
Look for the possibility of water damage throughout the house. This is usually notable in the basement, bathrooms and in the ceilings. You can look for dampness in these areas. It’s also a good idea to check for stains on wallpaper and ceiling tiles. In areas where water has been a problem before, you may notice mildew or mould growing. This often indicates that there is far more extensive damage inside the walls.
Consider the Possibility of Adding On
Don’t love the design of the house or feel it’s too small? You can go ahead and contact an architect to help with the design side of things. Often, if the bones are good, you can turn an older home into something perfect for your needs or for selling. Renovating an older house is not for the faint of heart, but it’s a great feeling to walk through a house and see all the changes you’ve made to it. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the home that was once overlooked suddenly be on the market for a much higher price because you’ve restored it to its former glory.
Are you considering the renovation of a worn-down house? If so, Integrated Designs & Associates has the experience needed to help you turn it into an amazing living space. Contact us today to learn more.
