Older homes are extremely sought after for their charm and unique architectural characteristics, with many homeowners looking to renovate these historic properties in order to create livable spaces. However, upgrading the architecture and design of a pre-20th century home can be extremely difficult, especially if you’re facing many of the common issues of older homes, such as damp or subsidence.
1. Solve Housing Issues
The first step that you need to take before you will even be able to start living within your home is to solve any structural or architectural issues that are evident within your property. To check for these housing issues, you should carry out a professional building survey that can help you highlight any features that may cause problems in the future.
For instance, subsidence is one of the most common challenges in older homes and can be fixed by removing any trees, the roots of which may be damaging the property, underpinning your foundations, and repairing drainage systems around the home. Another problem that is often unique to older homes is the existence of hazardous materials within the building, such as asbestos, which can potentially cause asbestosis if it is not removed.
2. Replace the Roofing
Once you have fixed these housing issues, you can upgrade your older home by replacing some of its most integral features, such as its roofing. Not only can older roofs look unattractive, but loose tiles can create leaks that can cause Many older homes may have thatched or wooden roofs that need a lot of maintenance throughout the year. To enable you to modernize your roof and increase its longevity, you should use Next Wave Roofing to improve your roof, as their repairs and re-roofing can help your home’s exterior look smart and appealing.
3. Restore Architectural Features
When you’re upgrading an older home, it’s important that you try and preserve its original features rather than considering replacing all of its architectural quirks. Not only will this allow you to retain an element of history, but these features can also improve the appearance of your home. For instance, many older homes have features such as fireplaces, wood flooring, and support beams, all of which are desired in historic properties. If these features are beyond repair, you should ensure that your new installations match the designs of the old features and the age of the home that you are restoring. To do this, you may consider installing reproduction or vintage pieces that can match the style of your property.
4. Invest in New Utilities
However, restoring old features does not mean that you should allow your utilities to go to rot: this is one area where you should consider pairing the old with the new. Utilities such as kitchen faucets and sinks, baths, and radiators can break or become damaged over time, and to ensure that you are able to live well within your home, you should consider replacing these for modern alternatives to make sure that your home is a comfortable space in which you can relax.