What to Know Before Restoring That Old Home

About the Author – Driving Back Roads we often see and photograph homes that could use some degree of restoration. The following article is a guest submission by Ray Flynn. He is a civil engineer who co-created Diy Guys together with his friend Brett Engle who is an architect. They also have an upcoming book “How to DIY Damn Near Everything” that aims to give others the courage and confidence to pursue DIY projects in their own homes. Nowadays, they’re also focused on projects that promote green living

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by Ray Flynn

If you like old houses and back roads, you’ll love Driving Backroads.

Old homes are full of charm. Every room has a story to tell and every bit of paint and spackle reflects the love and hard work invested over the years.

As the new owner of an old home, your challenge is making it your own while honoring the history and character of an older property. What should you know about renovating an old house and how can you balance historic details with modern trends?

3 things to know before renovating your old home

Taking the helm as the new owner of an old home is exciting and scary all at once. Old homes are known for their sturdy construction and unique details, but they also have a reputation for expensive problems.

1. Common problems in old homes include aging electrical and mechanical systems, corroded plumbing, and hazardous building materials like lead paint or asbestos.
2. When budgeting for renovations, reserve at least 20% for unexpected issues and start with the most important projects first.
3. The right preparation makes project delays less stressful. Move non-essential items to storage and keep the rest in easy-access bins you can move from room to room as needed.

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Top mistakes when renovating older properties

Newer isn’t always better. Here’s how to ensure renovations add to a property’s value, not detract from it.

1. The biggest mistake homeowners make is failing to achieve a uniform style. Choose styles that match your home’s original construction, purchasing salvaged building materials and custom facsimiles as necessary.
2. Don’t cut corners with cheap materials and chintzy reproductions. These lack the authenticity and quality workmanship buyers expect from older homes and can hurt a property’s appraisal value.
3. Generally speaking, it’s better to restore than replace, especially when it comes to original features like windows, floors, and woodwork.

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Should you DIY renovations in an old home?

DIY is a common strategy for saving money on renovations. Home improvement television shows make DIY look easy, but is it really?

1. Old homes amplify the typical challenges of DIY home improvement like not knowing where to start, getting derailed by unexpected setbacks, and jumping in without understanding the full scope of a project.
2. Even simple projects aren’t so simple due to old construction techniques, custom fixtures, and bygone building materials. Turn to this reading list for essential guidance on caring for an old home.
3. Professional help is a better choice for most historic home renovations, but not all contractors have experience with restoring old homes. Seek referrals from other historic homeowners or your local historic preservation commission.

Owning an old home is a labor of love. While renovating an old home presents more challenges than newer properties, it’s also more rewarding. We hope you find these resources helpful as you steward your old home through the next stage of its history