Helpful Tips for Restoring an Old Home

Anyone who binges HGTV loves a fixer upper. There’s something romantic about the notion of taking something that’s seemingly run its course and breathing new life into it. Successfully restoring an old home can be one of the most rewarding projects in the home renovation world. Since you will have to deal with materials that aren’t as commonly used anymore—and that have significantly aged—you may have to take a different approach than you would otherwise. We made a list of important tips to follow when restoring an old home.

Consider What You’re Willing to Pay

You first want to consider the initial cost of the home, alongside what the renovations would cost. In
2017, the average home renovation cost $15,000. Old homes, however, may require a larger budget. This cost may even out if the house is worth less than the average home due to the required repairs. When you renovate the home, be sure to also account for its future resale value and if your total investment exceeds that amount.

Have an Inspection

You should have an inspector come and conduct a thorough evaluation of the house. Even when you plan to do the bulk of restorations yourself, you want someone who specializes in identifying issues with older homes to provide their informed opinion. They’ll examine factors such as plumbing, electric issues, potential structural damage, and more. Their evaluation will help you accurately determine the entire cost of the home’s restoration.

Restore and Reproduce

The key word is restoration—you aren’t aiming to create something completely new, but to renew what is already there. Keep as much of the home’s original charm as you can, and only make substantial updates when needed. If you need to replace or enhance some aspects, such as
decorative wood mouldings, try to use the same materials that were originally used. For beautiful items that can’t be salvaged, commission reproductions from experienced professionals like Heartwood Carving.

Be Mindful When Cleaning

You want to take care when you clean antique architecture. Modern cleaners are often too abrasive and can cause damage to the materials. Dust wood carefully with a feather duster or a soft cloth. For small areas in wood carvings, you can use a mascara wand or a paintbrush. You can also use a can of pressurized air to clean the surface. If you decide to use a modern cleanser, consider ones with a low concentration of harsh chemicals.