Renovating an old house can be a daunting task, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. As someone who is currently renovating an 1870s home, I can say that the experience was both challenging and enlightening. Here are five lessons I learned along the way:
Expect the unexpected
No matter how well you plan, there will always be surprises during a renovation project. In my case, we discovered a leaky roof that needed immediate attention and structural issues that had to be addressed before we could move forward with any cosmetic changes. It’s important to have some flexibility in your timeline and budget to account for unexpected issues.
Invest in quality materials
When renovating an old house, it’s important to use high-quality materials that can stand the test of time. This not only ensures that your home will look great, but also adds value in the long run. For example, we chose to invest in solid wood flooring, even though it was more expensive than other options. We knew that it would last for decades and would be a selling point if we ever decide to sell the house.
Hire professionals for the big jobs
While it’s tempting to try to save money by doing everything yourself, some tasks are best left to the professionals. This is especially true for structural work and electrical and plumbing jobs. Not only is it safer to have a professional handle these tasks, but they will also be able to ensure that everything is up to code and done properly.
Don’t be afraid to mix old and new
When renovating an old house, it’s important to strike a balance between preserving the original character and adding modern touches. We chose to keep the original woodwork and moldings, but updated the kitchen and bathrooms with modern fixtures and appliances. This created a beautiful juxtaposition between old and new and made the house feel both timeless and fresh.
Patience is key
Renovating an old house takes time, and it’s important to be patient throughout the process. There will be setbacks and delays, and things may not always go according to plan. But in the end, the hard work and patience will be worth it when you see your beautiful new home.
In conclusion, renovating an old house can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By being flexible, investing in quality materials, hiring professionals when necessary, mixing old and new, and staying patient, you can turn an old house into a beautiful and functional home that you can enjoy for years to come.