Moving into an old but charming home can feel like a dream come true. However, there are often hidden costs after the initial purchase.
The good news is that you do not have to break the bank to upgrade your space. If you follow just a few simple tips, it is possible to make your old home into the showpiece of your dreams without overspending. Let us share those tips with you.
Research Your Home
Before you start, do your homework. The older a home is, the more likely it will have some problems that need to be addressed before you can do any significant upgrades. Ask around and ask your realtor about what issues are common with homes in your area.
Check for signs of water damage or mold in any house you consider buying and think twice about purchasing a home without an inspector’s report on its condition. If you can get an inspection done, look closely at the roofing materials, ceilings, window frames, and drainage pipes.
Broken or blocked drains are common problems in old houses. In such cases, you might drain relining before you can install a new pipe and fix the broken drain. Hire a company that uses advanced technology to inspect your drains. They can use drones or tiny cameras to inspect the drains. It is how they do drain relining in Adelaide; a CCTV goes into the drain to inspect it first before workers fix a new pipe.
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Start With One Room
Never work on multiple rooms at once. Plan which room to start with and proceed from there onward. Look at the room that is most important to you. Consider also whether any obstacles might make this room difficult to renovate, like a lack of natural lighting. That can help narrow down your options and ensure that you have an achievable goal for your project.
Consider Installing an Air Conditioning Unit
If you are buying an old house, the price of upgrading your ventilation system will likely be more than the cost of an air conditioning unit. You can install the AC unit in your attic if you have one. This option is easier if you are living in a single-story home. Otherwise, there may not be enough height for ductwork because of your ceiling height or roofline.
It is also important to remember that placing an AC in your attic will increase moisture levels inside and reduce natural light by blocking windows with insulation. However, this option is often cheaper than other methods since it does not require running extra ductwork through walls and floors.
While not as common as attic installations, garage-based units are another way to go about installing air conditioning into older homes. It will work best if the old house has a large garage or one that you do not plan on using in any other way.
Renovate Your Kitchen
Kitchen renovations are a popular way to update an old house. Doing so can improve the value of the old house. However, if you’re looking for a quick fix, this may not be the best option because kitchen renovations can be expensive and time-consuming.
If you have the patience and finances to undertake a major kitchen renovation project, go ahead. Remember to renovate in stages. Renovating your entire kitchen is much work at once. So, take your time and invest wisely. Pay special attention to the cabinets. They might look new at times. However, the wear and tear over the years have probably messed up their hinges and handles.
Improve the Bathrooms
Here are some of the things you should consider doing when improving the bathrooms.
- Replace the flooring. If you have old linoleum or ceramic tile in your bathroom, it is time for an upgrade. Consider installing new tile that looks like marble or granite, which will make your bathroom feel more high-end and luxurious.
- Replace the vanity and sink. Replacing these items is an easy way to give your bath a fresh look without spending too much money. Make sure that the new sink matches its countertop (granite is a popular choice here). You should also consider replacing any lights or mirrors that do not match with other materials used throughout your home.
- Update door handles and knobs as needed, so they look like those found on other doors within each room type. You might also want to modernize the old house, which means investing in rather sleek-looking and minimalistic handles.
With that, you are done upgrading your old house. It should look as good as new now. Not only will you be increasing its overall appeal with all these upgrades, but it will also increase its market value. So, in the future, if you are looking to sell the house, you can sell it for a high (or at least decent) price.