The Freshome Guide to Renovating an Older Home

Character often comes with the cumbersome side effect of careful renovations. Make sure to account for this important step to keep the character in your home. Source: Don Duffy Architecture

Historic homes are full of character, but sometimes they also need repairs and renovations. We may not all have an HGTV budget to work with, but there are multiple ways to brighten and update an older home. Here are a few tips you need to know before you start a home renovation project.

Renovating kitchens and bathrooms

Kitchen and bathroom updates are often first on the list for many homeowners to tackle. From knocking down walls to simply repainting your cabinets, you can update your kitchen to reflect a modern style while still maintaining the charm of your older home.

Bathroom remodeling may include updating the plumbing or replacing the shower and tub depending on the age of the home. You can start small with a coat of paint and a new vanity, or remodel the entire bathroom for a fresh, new look.

A huge upside to remodeling kitchens and bathrooms is that it will increase the value of your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers if you decide to sell. You can always focus on updating the fixtures, appliances and plumbing while keeping elements of the original design like tile floors and cabinets.

Updating windows, insulation and heating/cooling

Many homeowners are drawn to cosmetic updates, but maintaining a comfortable, efficient home should also be a priority. Depending on your budget, there are many heating and cooling options for older homes.

A home built some time ago may not have a whole-house air conditioning system installed. They may even rely on older, less efficient heat sources like radiators or wall heaters. There are several ways to approach this kind of upgrade, and a local HVAC specialist can help you find the best option for your home.

Consider starting with new windows and insulation to prevent drafts and keep cold air out in the winter and warm air out in the summer. This is a quick way to make a big difference. You may, ultimately, need to install a new HVAC unit in order to keep your home comfortable. This will also help to increase the value of your home.

Make quick, low-budget updates to an older home

Don’t have the budget for a major overhaul just yet? Start small. Replace the hardware in your kitchen and bathrooms for an instant, modern look without breaking the bank. New drawer pulls, cabinet handles and sink faucets can make a big impact in an older space.

You can also always reinvigorate a room with a fresh coat of paint in a favorite color. Painting a room yourself will save you on the cost of hiring a painter. Don’t forget to apply fresh paint to the ceilings, too. New curtains or blinds and colorful accent furniture can also brighten a room. Ultimately, the best way to update an older home is to make the space feel like your own.

Do you have any additional tips for renovating an older home? Let us know in the comments.

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