Tips for Restoring an Old House
By Kayla Beirne
Whether you're in the business of flipping houses or just bought yourself a fixer-upper, it never hurts to know a few good tips for restoring an old house. Since technology has advanced and we've learned better practices, many old homes have become relics of their time and present unique challenges. Allow us to offer a few of these tips to help you successfully refurbish old homes.
Repairing Infrastructure
The most important, but basic aspect is repairing the infrastructure of an old house so that it doesn't continue to decay. Repairing the walls, the roof, and windows are important to ensure the integrity of the building remains in good health and doesn't become a massive issue down the road.
After you've restored the basics of the house, you then need to get into the electronic systems and plumbing. You'll likely need a mechanical contractor since these systems are no easy task to repair or replace. Old plumbing may be rusted or compromised, and electronics may be severely outdated or missing entirely as the technology didn't exist at the time the house was built.
Removing Asbestos
Unfortunately, most homes built prior to the 1980s were made using asbestos as an insulation material before we knew just how toxic a substance it was to humans. Learning how to identify asbestos is the first step, as many people aren't aware of what it looks like. Then, if you do discover asbestos, one of the best tips for restoring an old house with it is to simply get a professional service to remove it for you. These services are an absolute must. By trying to remove it on your own, you'll likely end up poisoning yourself.
Updating Fixtures
Once these major aspects of the home have been addressed, you can get into the finer details of the home, such as window frames, door frames, and handrails. While these may seem like fine details that won't have much of an aesthetic impact on their own, these details are important for the overall presentation of your refurbished home, as well as, preventing rot and mold from taking root in these nooks and crannies.
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