Planning to buy an old house? You will need to renovate the house to restore it to its former glory. But remodeling an old house is only possible with the right knowledge.
Besides, you will need to put in a lot of time and money to see your project to fruition.
Here is how to renovate an old house.
Check the Extent of the Damage
So as to know the extent to which you will be renovating the house, you need to do an assessment of several things. The first is water damage.
Check if any of the beams and floors are soaked and damaged by water. Another sign of damage is the presence of corroded pipes and the growth of mold.
Also, assess for any signs of damage by insects such as termites. When restoring an old house, all of these issues and cracks in the foundation must be fixed by a professional to keep the house upright.
Work on Plumbing and Wiring
When redoing old houses, you should realize that they tend to have old pipes and wiring. When pipes are clogged or damaged, they tend to produce low water pressure.
The water may also appear cloudy or full of rust. That’s why these pipes must be replaced. An upgrade of the electrical system to support the installation of a safety switch is also important. That way, you will minimize the chances of electrical shocks and fires.
The Roof, Windows, and Mortar
You don’t have to replace the windows, especially if they are still in good shape. If you refinish them, you can avoid spending money on replacements.
However, you ought to replace damaged windows with the modern, energy-efficient, double-glazed variety. Only that you should maintain the style throughout the entire building when remodeling a small old house.
If you find serviceable antique windows, don’t hesitate to use them in the house. Concerning the roof, you may want to fix a few areas or the entire roof. It is all up to you. Where the mortar is damaged, parch it up.
Decoration
A house that has existed for a long time definitely comes with a unique style. So renovation of all an old house may involve preserving the original features while repainting the whole house.
To avoid lead contamination, cover potentially hazardous areas with latex paint. Or, you may hire a professional to remove the paint containing lead. When it comes to home décor, you may want to mix the old style with something new.
Ventilation
Old house renovation will not be complete if the ventilation system isn’t up to par. Also, ensure that the heating and cooling systems are working properly.
If you find a functional HVAC system, there is no need of replacing it. You may have to do some simple repairs and maintenance. However, if the system is damaged, then you will have to replace it.
Video’s on Restoring Old Houses
With the tips provided here, you should be able to make any old house as habitable as possible. Ask a professional home renovations expert in Cape Town to help you where there is the need.
