Older homes have a certain character that you can’t find in newer homes, but they also require their fair share of upkeep, and they can take a little more effort and money to remodel. Whether you’re undergoing a total renovation to restore the home to its former glory or you’re making a few repairs to get the home up to code, the process will go much more smoothly if you make good decisions. Here are some things to consider when you’re fixing up an older home.
Deciding on Projects
You may already have an idea of the few repairs your home needs. You may be overwhelmed by the number of major renovations it needs and not know where to start. Either way, coming up with a plan will help the experience be less stressful. When you plan your projects, start from the most serious aspects of the home, think about what your home needs most, consider what will add value, and make a list. After you have your list of projects, take it one task at a time while trying to see the big picture.
Prioritizing Your Budget
Like your plan, your budget should revolve around critical home improvements. For instance, does your roof need repaired or replaced? Making sure your roof is in good shape is essential to creating a safe and comfortable home. Even if you’re hiring a professional crew to do your roofing, it’s important to understand what you need and what your budget allows. Should you get 30-year or 50-year shingles? Aluminum shingles, natural slate, concrete or clay tile? Besides the cost, each type of roofing has its unique characteristics, so talk to a professional and choose one that works best for your home and needs, and keep in mind that on average, replacing your roof will cost between $9,000 and $15,000.
When it comes to your roof or any other major aspects of your home (e.g., foundation, plumbing, electrical), it’s safer to get it done well rather than to try to find the best deal. Furthermore, these are aspects of the home that should take priority over aesthetic features, like flooring, painting, and decorating.
Caring for Antiques
When you’re doing home improvement projects, all kinds of dirt and debris will be flying around. If you have antiques, original furnishings, or any other items that mean a lot to you, you’ll want to do what you can to protect them. The safest way to make sure these items don’t get damaged is to rent a storage unit for their safekeeping. A 5’x5’ self-storage unit in the LA area can be booked for as low as $39.95 a month. If you have a lot of valuable items, it can be worth the investment to keep them out of harm’s way.
DIY or Professional?
Another important part of your plan is deciding on which tasks to do yourself and which ones to hire out. A lot of this depends on your past experience with repair and renovations. Also, how much time do you have to learn new tasks? What is your budget? DIY tasks can save you money, but if you have to take off work to learn how to do a lot of different projects, you’re kind of defeating the purpose. For instance, if your only experience with septic systems is watching a YouTube video, you may run into some unforeseen problems if you try to repair the septic tank at your home.
Unless you have contracting experience, you should probably hire professionals to complete the more serious tasks, such as roofing, foundation, plumbing, and electrical work. You don’t want to fall victim to a renovation horror story. It’s best to designate simpler tasks, like flooring, painting, and other design jobs, as your DIY projects.
Older homes are hard to beat when they function well and look great. Remember to carefully plan and decide on what repairs and/or renovations your home needs, and prioritize your budget accordingly. Rent a storage unit for antiques and furnishings that you don’t want to get.
Thanks for reading …
Bret Engle