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100-Year-Old House Renovation: Should You or Shouldn’t You?

August 6th, 2020 |

If you’re a history buff or you’ve always admired the rich features found in many historical homes, you may be wondering if tackling an older home renovation is for you. This article will discuss both the pros and cons of a 100 year old house renovation, as well as offer some tips on how to best restore a home to its former glory.

The Pros

Restoring an older home may be a great idea for someone who wants a uniquely styled home, rather than a cookie-cutter home in the suburbs. Many older homes have irreplaceable features such as a grand staircase, original hardwood floors, or a one-of-a-kind fireplace that only need someone committed to thoughtful restoration and preservation in order to become beautiful and breathtaking once again.

In addition, many older homes are located in metropolitan areas. By taking part in a restoration, homeowners can feel as if they are contributing to areas in their neighborhood that simply need some time, love, and attention, so they can rejoin a vibrant and growing community.

The Cons

An inexperienced person may want to consult with an expert who can determine if the unique historical features of an old home can still be preserved. If an older home is in poor shape and essentially must be completely gutted, a potential homeowner may be unable to preserve the historical aspects of the home that attracted them in the first place.

A historical home renovation project can turn into a nightmare if the owners fail to design a realistic and cost-effective plan from beginning to end before they start their home renovation project. While 100 year old homes are certainly able to be restored, it’s important to understand the complete scope of the project before getting started.

Hire or DIY?

Virtually all regions have building codes that renovators and builders must adhere to. When it comes to utilitarian components of a home such as the foundation, plumbing and electrical, etc., it’s best to hire professionals to do this type of work. Not only are these areas eventually inspected in order to pass local codes, but it’s also important the work is done properly for the health and safety of everyone living in the home.

Overall, unless the homeowner(s) have professional experience in some of the trades, it’s best to leave the initial work to the professionals, and focus DIY efforts on cosmetic projects such as sanding and refinishing staircases and doors, repainting, tiling, etc.

If you’d like more tips on restoring older homes, such as a 100 year old house renovation, please contact us!