A Step-by-Step Guide to Successful Old Home Renovation

Renovating an old home can be a daunting task, but with a clear plan, you can achieve your dream home. First, assess the condition of your home's foundation, which is a crucial aspect of any renovation project.

Old homes often require specialized foundation repairs, which can be costly if left unchecked. In fact, a single crack in the foundation can lead to costly structural damage.

Before starting the renovation process, prioritize the most critical areas of your home, such as the electrical and plumbing systems. These systems are essential for the safety and functionality of your home.

A typical old home renovation project can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months to complete, depending on the scope of the project.

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Planning and Preparation is key to a successful old home renovation. Get organized by drafting a plan and assessing your budget, including details like electrical, plumbing, HVAC, finishes, and the entire project scope from beginning to end.

Set clear goals for your project, starting with how you plan to use the property. Will you live in the home? Do you want to use the main house or detached buildings as rental units? Are you planning to restore or rehab the property? Identifying your goals will help you communicate with a design firm, builders, and the planning commission.

Start researching and selecting fixtures, appliances, and materials long before your project's start date to keep costs down. Last-minute changes and indecision can lead to costly delays and order adjustments. A rough timeline is an excellent place to start, but you must develop a more concrete timeline with your contractor.

Here's a rough outline of what to expect during the renovation process:

Drafting a plan and assessing your budget is crucial to remove frustration during a home renovation project. Get organized by including details like electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and all the finishes in your plan.

Knowing what to expect can help you navigate the process. A well-planned project scope from beginning to end will keep you on track.

Set clear goals for your project, especially if you're remodeling a historic home. Identify how you plan to use the property and whether you'll live in the home or use it as a rental unit.

Your goals will help you communicate with a design firm, builders, and the planning commission. Depending on the scope and intention of your project, it might also qualify for tax breaks.

Differentiating between restoring and remodeling is essential when working with historic homes. Restoration returns a historic building to its original structure and form, whereas remodeling adapts a building to new ways of living.

Consult resources like the NTHP's Saving Places to decide whether to restore or rehabilitate your home.

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Planning with stock sizes in mind can save you a lot of money and stress during your home renovation project. Custom fabrication can be much more expensive, so it's essential to consider standard material sizes from the start.

You should assess whether standard sizes will work for your remodel, especially when it comes to windows, doors, and other building materials. This will help you avoid costly custom orders and ensure a smoother renovation process.

To plan effectively, start by researching standard sizes for your materials and fixtures. This will give you a better idea of what you need and help you make informed decisions about your project.

Here are some common standard sizes to consider:

By planning with stock sizes in mind, you can avoid costly custom orders and ensure a more efficient renovation process.

Ruling out new uses for old spaces is a big no-no. Historic homes can be repurposed to meet the needs of modern homeowners, and local councils often support alterations that respect the home's history.

Consider using look-alike alternatives to high-end materials. Lyptus, a sustainable eucalyptus hybrid, can give you a similar look to mahogany at a fraction of the price.

Think outside the box when it comes to natural light. You don't need to add new windows to brighten up a space. Installing a light tube, which funnels natural light from the roof into living spaces, can be a cost-effective and structurally simple solution.

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Before diving into your home renovation project, it's essential to complete some preliminary tasks to ensure a smooth and successful process. These tasks include addressing foundation and structure issues, repairing or replacing the roof, and fixing or replacing damaged siding.

Foundation and structure problems can be a major concern, so it's crucial to address them before starting your renovation project. This may involve securing the house foundation and majorly repairing weakened walls, joists, and carrying beams.

Roofing is another critical aspect to consider, as a damaged roof can compromise the entire renovation project. Repairing or replacing the roof will help protect the work below.

If your siding is damaged, it's essential to fix or replace it to prevent water infiltration. If the damage is not severe, you can save it for a later project.

Here are some preliminary projects to consider:

By completing these preliminary projects, you'll be able to lay a solid foundation for your home renovation project and avoid costly mistakes down the line.

Consider relocating during a major renovation to avoid exposure to hazardous materials like chemicals, rotted building materials, and mold.

Living elsewhere can prevent your family from being exposed to these dangers, which can be especially concerning for young children and pets who are more susceptible to health issues.

You can avoid the hassle of trying to live your daily lives amid the noise and dust of demolition, construction, and installation, which can be a significant disruption to your routine.

Living off-site also gives you the freedom to come and go as you please without having to navigate through a construction zone, making it easier to maintain a sense of normalcy during an otherwise chaotic time.

Researching your home's history can be a fascinating and rewarding experience. It's essential to learn about its architectural styles and interior, as well as the neighborhood's history, to understand its significance.

You can start by looking for builder stamps and vestiges of old wallpaper in storage spaces like attics and closets. Chat with homeowners in your neighborhood and other historic districts to gather more information. Visit City Hall or your county assessor's office for property records decades back, or look up local census data online.

Determining whether your home is historic or just old is crucial before starting a remodel. Consider the age and significance of your home, as well as any notable events or residents it may have had. This will help you navigate any restrictions or guidelines you need to follow.

Prioritize preserving elements that truly reflect the period in which your home was built, such as rare or unique features that define its character. Consider consulting with an architectural historian to help you evaluate the significance of later additions and determine the best course of action for your remodel.

Your home's age and historical significance can greatly impact your remodeling plans. A home need not be a certain age to be historic, it can be granted historic status if it meets specific criteria set by your local commission.

You'll want to determine if your home is actually historic or just an old house, as this will direct the course of your remodel. This involves researching the home's age and architectural style, as well as significant events or notable residents.

Some homes are relatively young but meet additional criteria for historic status, so don't assume age is the only factor. Your home might be historic due to its age, architectural style, significant events, or notable residents.

Working with an architectural historian can help you identify later additions to the home and evaluate their significance. This is crucial when planning to adapt the house to modern living or return it to its original form and function.

Preserving elements that truly reflect the period in which your home was built is essential. These elements, known as "character-defining features", are especially important to preserve, especially rare or unique ones.

Learning about your home's history is vital when remodeling a historic building. Research its architectural styles, interior, and neighborhood history to understand how it compares to others in its historic district.

You can uncover the hidden history of your home by looking for builder stamps and vestiges of old wallpaper in storage spaces like attics and closets. Chat with homeowners in your neighborhood and visit City Hall or your county assessor's office for property records decades back.

Original plumbing inspection is crucial when buying or renovating a historic home. Original copper, galvanized steel, and cast iron plumbing has a lifespan of 80 to 100 years.

This means that even if the plumbing isn't leaking yet, it will be soon. It's not a matter of if, but when.

Corrosion buildup on the inside of older pipes can cause lower water pressure over time, or even lead to rusty, orange water if left too long.

It's essential to inspect the plumbing carefully to avoid costly repairs down the line. If you're not sure what you're looking at, consider hiring a professional to assess the situation.

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Lead paint can be a major concern in historic homes, especially if you have young children. You should especially look for hazardous lead paint in windows, doors, and trim.

If it's peeling or in bad shape, then it needs to be handled, especially if you have children under six, who are most susceptible to its effects. The Environmental Protection Agency's Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting work practices must be followed to keep you and your family safe.

If the lead paint is not peeling or chipping, and you don't plan on sanding it down, then it poses little risk.

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