Homes over 50 years old are often considered old properties. However, even homes that are younger than this age threshold might also seem old if they haven’t been well-maintained. On the other hand, century-old homes that have undergone extensive renovations and upgrades can appear more modern and up-to-date.
No matter why you’re renovating an old home, the results are usually worth the effort. These older houses can really shine with some renovation work, restoration, or even making them bigger.
But fixing up old homes is different from working on newer ones. You will likely need the help of a custom home builder in PA. Here are tips to help you renovate an older home and get the most out of it.
1. Familiarize yourself with your home
Understand the specifics of what you need to work on your vintage home. These considerations could affect your budget regarding necessary restoration and repairs.
Invest some time in understanding your older home’s architectural style and the era in which it was constructed. You may discover instances where previous owners concealed charming original features. Renovating the old home could involve fully reinstating or reconstructing these elements.
2. Anticipate unforeseen expenses
Incorporating a contingency allowance into your budget is a smart move when remodeling old homes. The renovation cost depends on your home’s condition, pre-construction exploration, and the accuracy of your builder’s initial estimate.
Note that fixed-price contracts, except for small projects, are rarely practical for historical renovations. In most cases, a cost-plus arrangement, which promotes transparency, is more advantageous.
A fixed-price structure doesn’t prevent change orders for unexpected issues, which alter the project’s scope and necessitate change orders.
3. Begin with the less glamorous aspects
Prioritize critical aspects of home renovation first: doors, windows, roof, and structure. They may not be as exciting as cosmetic upgrades but can hide significant expenses when renovating older homes.
Once these elements are appropriately taken care of and restored, you can find comfort in knowing that the rest of your investment will be safely secured.
4. Emphasize long-term sustainability
During a historical home renovation, prioritize addressing structural concerns and urgent upgrades instead of enhancements. You’ll likely encounter foundation cracks, water issues, deteriorated framing that demand attention, outdated pipes, and electrical hazards.
Resolving significant challenges at the outset saves time and money in the long term, even if it means adjusting your initial plans.
5. Manage materials safely
Remodeling older homes may involve materials and methods that don’t meet modern safety standards. Unless experienced in renovating older homes, seek consultation from a PA custom builder before removing outdated materials or altering wiring and plumbing. Components could contain unsafe substances or dangerous connections.
Exercise caution and refrain from dismantling or demolishing walls unless certain of composition and concealed aspects due to potential safety risks of older home renovations. Consultation is strongly advised.
6. Embrace the unique character of your old home during remodeling
Instead of trying to change your old home’s distinctive features and peculiar angles, embrace these oddities and harness their potential. These distinctive characteristics are precisely what makes an older home charming.
Collaborating with an architecture design firm in PA can lead you to discover methods to appreciate and integrate elements like creaky floors and concealed corners, allowing them to become cherished aspects of your home’s character.
7. Choose your builders thoughtfully
The success of your construction project depends on the harmonious collaboration among your builder, architect, interior designer, and yourself. It is important to ensure that your custom builder has previous experience with historical renovations, as this can provide valuable knowledge gained through their learning process.
Additionally, your builder should have a strong understanding of building science, as changes to one part of your home can significantly impact how it functions overall.
Modernize Your Vintage Home With Crossroads Construction
Renovating an older home requires a practical and collaborative approach that respects its history. Prioritizing key structural elements and embracing your home’s unique character is also essential for a successful renovation.
With a focus on residential home additions and renovations in North Central Pennsylvania, including vintage homes, Crossroads Construction is your all-in-one solution. Our skilled team handles everything from concept to completion–planning, permitting, construction management, and building.
Contact us today and start your space transformation!