Hello World! Welcome Friends! There’s a large industry growing based on updating and flipping old houses. In, fact, there’s been a whole host of reality TV shows based on the very subject. There’s just something about a transformation story that people can’t help but love.
However, watching an old, dilapidated house go from shabby to fabulous during a 50-minute TV program can lead to some unrealistic expectations. In truth, it takes a lot of time, work, and patience to renovate old houses.
For those willing to put in the effort, it can be incredibly rewarding. For those who don’t know what they’re getting themselves into, on the other hand, it can be quite a headache.
To get a better idea, keep reading for all of our top tips on how to renovate old houses.
1. Have the Home Thoroughly Inspected
First, before you ever put ink on a contract, you need to have a house thoroughly and professionally inspected. Whether you’re buying a house to live in it or flip it for profit, you need to know what you’re getting into.
A home inspector will be able to uncover big budget issues such as a sinking or shifting foundation, major structural damage, widespread mold, etc. The inspection will give you a general idea of the repairs and renovations that will be necessary for the home. It will also give you a good idea if you even want to invest the time and money in a particular home or look at other options.
2. Figure Out Your Budget
Most people renovate old houses on some kind of budget, whether it’s in comparison to how much the house will be worth post-renovation or how much they want to spend on their personal living costs.
Once you have the inspection results, it’s time to look at your specific budget. Determine how much you want to spend renovating the house. It may also come down to how much you can get financed for by your bank or private investors.
3. Make a List of Priorities
Like most people, you probably don’t have an unlimited budget. Therefore, even when you find the perfect home, you may have to compromise on what you want to be done.
Make a list of priorities from the most important to the least important renovation and repair projects. First and foremost, the house must be livable. Whether you want to live there yourself or are planning on selling it, there are certain standards of living you can’t ignore.
Next, you can go into your wishlist for everything you want to get done based on your budget. However, be sure to create some flex-space, as things are never as easy or as cheap as planned.
4. DIY Where You Can
A great way to renovate old houses and save money is by learning how to get in there and get your hands dirty. There are certain jobs such as plumbing, roofing, and electrical work that should be left to the professionals, but that leaves a lot on the table for you.
Take some time to learn the skills that will save you money, especially if you plan to renovate old houses as a part-time or full-time gig. This includes simple tasks such as drywalling, painting, patching holes, resealing, cleaning, etc.
5. Ensure There Aren’t Any Hazardous Materials, Substances, or Gases
One of the most important steps to take when you renovate old houses is to ensure everyone’s safety. A large part of this includes checking for harmful mold, lead paint, asbestos, and any poisonous gases.
Some gases such as radon and carbon monoxide are odorless, colorless, and deadly if inhaled in large quantities. Asbestos and mold can also cause significant problems if inhaled. Call a Radon Testing Expert to help alleviate any worry.
6. Make Any Foundation Repairs
A bad foundation can make a home unsellable and even uninsurable. If the foundation is cracked or damaged and can be fixed, it is an absolute must. However, if it’s sinking and shifting, you may be better off abandoning the house and searching for another. Before you quit on a house, though, make sure you check for foundation solutions for whatever issues the home has, you may be surprised how much can be repaired.
7. Check for Termite Damage
When you renovate old houses, you must ensure it’s structurally sound. That means making sure it has good bones. The supports of the house shouldn’t have water damage, wood rot, or termite damage. If the structural integrity of the house is in question, there’s a good chance it’ll cost more than it’s worth to repair.
8. Make Roof Repairs
Another important area to check is the roof. A single hail storm can put a shingled roof into disrepair. Any roof damage can lead to leaks, water damage, mold, and wood rot. If enough time passes, the entire roof structure may be compromised.
Even after the inspector has taken a look, it may be wise to get an estimate from a local roofing company. They’ll take a comprehensive analysis and let you know what you’re looking at.
9. Update the Kitchen and Bathrooms
For your own comfort or the appeal of potential buyers, when you renovate old houses, you need to pay attention to the bathrooms and kitchen. These are areas of the home people expect to be updated. They are, after all, some of the most commonly used rooms in the house.
Depending on your budget, this could be a complete overhaul, updating appliances, and/or redoing the entire cupboards and cabinetry. However, simple updates such as a fresh coat of paint, new drawer and cabinet handles, and new fixtures can make a profound difference for the budget DIYer.
10. Make the Home Energy Efficient
With the world’s resources becoming fewer and fewer, people are placing energy efficiency at the top of their list when searching for new homes. If you’re going to renovate old houses, you should find a good source for energy-efficient windows, lights, heating, and air conditioning. There are also things like energy-efficient appliances and insulation.
Looking to Renovate Old Houses?
If your goal is to renovate old houses, don’t let the logistics scare you. Yes, it’s a process, but if you enjoy the work and the process, it’s well worth it in the end! Good luck, and be sure to check out some of our other articles before you go!
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
How to Choose the Right Painter
6 Amazing Homes in San Francisco
Things to Consider while Remodeling a Kitchen
How Professionals can Help you with Moving
Best Winter Vacation Destinations
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Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day/night depending on where you are in the world! Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!
Toodles,
You guys always select the most amazing images to match your text. Some great, practical tips on remodelling – with safety, repairs and budget thoughtfully considered.
This is very informative, I have been living here at my home for about 3 years now and it kind of has run down as time got by, added to that I don’t really spend that much time at home since I’m too busy at work or at social events and upon seeing this post I realized that it’s also important to have a great ambiance to go home to. Once I find the time to gradually clean up I might even renovate, kudos to you! and thank you for this, I would surely find inspiration from this.
My husband and I bought a 1915 house, from the original owner, in 1980 – a year before we married. No children ever lived here (until ours), and not much was changed except the furnace and the plumbing.
We DIY most, hired quality where we couldn’t We were willing to wait for our forever house to be finished, as it was ‘livable’ when we bought it. At the time, the original owner lived here, but moved to a nursing home. My sister, an RN, had her as a patient a few years later, and after learning who her nurse was , she said “Are they taking care of my house?”
The last big thing we did was the kitchen, and it was worth waiting for what we wanted. We have loved working on our home, our kids benefited from being exposed to waiting and working for what one wants, They all seemed to have received the “DIY” gene!
These are indeed the best tips! Making our home energy efficient really sounds a good idea! Thanks for this 🙂
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I and my aunt wants to change the house and we are exactly looking for renovating the room. Your blog gives me many ideas and this is so cool, all the pictures are just marvelous and the tips are actually the best. Great info!