Top 5 Tips for Restoring an Older Home

You may have fallen in love with an older home but it needs
some loving care. Before you attempt to remodel the
appearance of the home, you may do yourself more of a favor
to check and restore the structural foundation of the home.
Many older homes, while quaint, require some upgrades as
they age so that the home can continue to be livable for
years to come.

Water Damage

Older homes may have more water damage, which attracts
termites. Make sure to have the wood structures inspected
thoroughly. Replace any wood damage and treat the
foundation for termites. Make sure that when it rains,
water is diverted away from the foundation of the house
with appropriate gutters and spouts.

Settling and Cracks

Old homes have had more time to settle and so you might see
cracks in the foundation walls. If water penetrates those
cracks, you can have some serious problems. Make sure the
foundation, basement walls and floor, are sealed against
moisture intrusion. Exterior sealing may not be possible if
you have a lot of landscaping. However, if it has not be
done prior (as in homes that are about 40 to 50 years old),
then you can think about doing it now to help seal out
moisture and safeguard your foundation.

Upgrade The Wiring

Old homes can have wiring issues due to the electrical
codes being different then they are today. Have the
electrical wiring inspected and make sure there are
sufficient grounds in place. Check the outlets to see if
they are two-pronged or three. If they have only two
prongs, they are not grounded. You will have to change them
out. If they are three-pronged you will still need to
ascertain if they are fully grounded in accordance with
code. Replace the electrical box if necessary. Check most
of the wiring in the home. You may or may not have to
replace some of it.

Check For Lead and Asbestos

Unfortunately, older homes have older materials, some of
which are considered highly toxic today. Old houses often
contain lead paint and this can be difficult to remove and
expensive. However, it must be removed. The same with
asbestos if it is the kind that is easily released into the
air. You can have it in floor coverings, insulation, and
even the home's siding. To remove lead or asbestos, usually
trained professionals need to be hired to do it safely.

Increase Energy Efficiency

Older homes are not as energy efficient as newer homes. The
windows were single-paned and unglazed. Replacing the
windows will add a big boost to the energy efficiency of
the home by reducing heat loss.

Think about replacing old appliances with newer, more
energy efficient versions. The furnace, the hot water
heater, and any other housing system might be a good place
to put your money. Even refrigerators can have an impact on
your electricity bills, if you are exchanging an old model
for a newer, energy efficient model. The savings on your
utility bills can make up for the cost of the replacement
in just a few years.


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