When reviving an old house, a big question that plagues your mind is how to start the project. Moreover, if you have a fund crunch, you need to make sure that the money is used properly. Older homes usually develop a host of problems over time. The worst part is that homeowners may not be aware of such an issue, which may cost a lot down the road.
Before you begin home renovation in Vancouver BC, hire builders to inspect the house. A few defects that experts are likely to note are water leaking through the basement, plumbing and electrical issues, HVAC and roofing problems, and dampness in the attic, these are some of the basic issues to be addressed at first. That way, you will have a better idea of how much more you can spend on aesthetic renovation.
Here is how to make an old Vancouver home renovation perfect:
1. Check for toxic walls
Painting the walls is one of the quickest decisions to breathe life into your old house. Hold on! It’s an old property awaiting renovation for a while. Therefore, you need to check the toxicity levels on the wall. The builder you hire needs to check the walls for toxic chemicals. Besides, chipping, peeling, or cracking on the walls are to be dealt with cautiously. Once the toxicity is removed from the wall, the painting tasks may begin. With the application of new paint on the wall, you can protect the property from wear and tear.
2. Is the roof aligned with building codes?
Renovating an old house stays incomplete without addressing the roof problems. Even the best-quality and durable roofs need to undergo replacement every twenty years. Several older homes have damaged roofs that may be prone to leaks, mould, or fire. The construction companies in Vancouver you hire determine the year when the house was built to know if the property complies with the existing building codes. It will help in implementing the best construction practices and high-quality materials to ensure the durability and safety of the roof.
3. Replacing the windows
An old property needs energy-efficient windows but don’t worry! You need not break the bank to install new ones. So, be ready to discard those traditional single-pane glasses; instead, choose double or triple panes to improve insulation and reduce unwanted noise from entering the house. Once you install new windows, go ahead and change the curtain at a minimal cost.
4. Defects in foundation
Cracks in the foundation usually occur when a house ages. However, if you fail to undertake home renovation soon after you notice the damages, the cracks may deepen. The foundation of older homes is less resilient than the newer ones, and the differences may be in the material used. If you notice cracks in the home’s foundation, you need to undertake repairs during the process of renovation. Repairing smaller cracks is relatively simple than handling those that worsen over time. Consult with an expert specializing in reviving old houses. Roadhouse Homes is a renovation company with experience in reviving homes built about 20 years ago. So, if you are planning to transform your old house in Vancouver, you might get in touch with them.
5. Change the fireplace
When remodeling an old house, you have to rethink the fireplace. It may be a simple tweak like repainting the fireplace in an appropriate shade. Alternatively, you can retile the space. However, if you are less than keen to make the fireplace functional, a good idea would be to turn it into a bookshelf. It would fall in line with custom home renovation ideas that you can give a try when reviving old houses.
6. Renovate the floor
Floor renovation can be expensive but it is definitely worth your money if you know the better alternative. If you want to give your floors a richer look, it will change the appeal of the entire house. Moreover, wooden flooring is more durable and a better alternative to carpet floors in old houses.
7. Apply a coat of paint on trim work
Some of the older homes have stunning mouldings and trim work that you can preserve. But if you are not happy with the damaged look, all you can do is apply a coat of paint to breathe life. Want to add a punch to them? Focus on vibrant shades for a happy look.
Reviving an old house is a painstaking process. But the impact is worth your money and effort and is naturally more cost-effective. There are plenty of ways to make your old home new. Here are a few options to make your residence more durable and add value to it as well.
8. Water damage in old homes
Water damage leaves indelible marks and spans across different areas of your house. Therefore, you need to watch for those signs around the windows, floors, and ceilings. In reality, water signs may indicate deeper structural issues. So, don’t miss the vertical support structures running around the foundation of your house.
Reviving an old house is a painstaking process. But the impact is worth your money and effort and is naturally more cost-effective. There are plenty of ways to make your old home new. Here are a few options to make your residence more durable and add value to it as well.
