When it comes to remodeling, old house projects number among the most common. Increasing energy efficiency, replacing hazardous materials and other benefits come from renovating older properties, but it can be difficult to know which projects are best.
How do you decide which changes to make to an old house? Here are some of the factors you can consider:
Assessing an old house
Before deciding whether to buy, always consult a surveyor before signing a contract. Old homes are often associated with potentially dangerous problems, such as deterioration of structures, asbestos and severe mold.
The surveying company will produce a detailed report outlining these concerns and sketch any necessary repair work. This report will help you understand the potential challenges and also help you budget for repairs.
Home renovation projects: structural changes
It is possible to transform an existing house by eliminating walls and by converting redundant or unused square footage such as basements or lofts. Depending on the property and the budget, you can even convert a garage into a bedroom or office space.
It's best to find an architect or contractor who specializes in refurbishing and fixing old homes. To restore period features and keep the house's original charm, you'll need an expert with all the best knowledge of building materials and techniques.
Increase efficiency, not size
Many old houses have outdated floor plans and inefficient use of space. One of the best things you can do when remodeling an older home is to adjust the layout to better suit your needs - or the needs of the modern housing market.
Making energy-efficient decisions is also a recommended strategy. Replacing old windows with modern alternatives will help keep the home efficient and reduce energy bills. You can still retain the lovable period features of the home while making it more comfortable and functional for modern life.
Are you thinking of buying and remodeling an old home? Keep these factors in mind when considering your options for bringing a dated property into the present.
About the Author
Kyung Kim
Hi, I'm Kyung Kim. I immigrated from South Korea to the United States in 1968 when I was 7 years old. I have seen my mom struggle with the English language and work hard to raise her four kids by herself. Still to this day, I don't know how she pulled it off, but she bought her first home in 1979 for $70,000 and because of that decision, she was able to live without worrying about her financial future. I want that for everyone, to feel the pride of home ownership and to build their financial wealth using real estate as part of their financial portfolio. I feel so blessed to play a small role in helping others reach this goal.
I live in Beaverton with my husband, Richard. My mom, who lived with us for several years, passed away in our home in February 2022. Her first home purchase in 1979 made it possible for her to live to the very end, without worrying about her finances. As of August 2022 with a little downpayment assistance, our four children own their own homes. Being in real estate, I quickly realized that if they didn't buy now, they may be priced out of the market in the future. Whether that would have been the case, we will never know, but what we do know is that they are all realizing some good, healthy appreciation in their home values.
As passionate as I am about people owning their homes, I'm also passionate about giving back to our community. I support Compassion First, a non-profit organization that provides aftercare for sex trafficked girls in Indonesia. My husband and I also feel called to financially support social injustice organizations.
I'd love to assist you. Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.
