Renovating and restoring an old house can be both rewarding and fulfilling, but certain considerations must be kept in mind prior to starting any project.
Check for slanted walls, sagging floors and other structural problems, replace outdated and unsafe electrical, plumbing and heating systems as soon as possible and install energy-saving appliances to lower utility costs.
Structural Repairs
Renovation can be challenging when renovating an older property, and structural repairs are one of the biggest hurdles. No matter how well-restored an older house may seem to be, when foundation cracks appear or doors and windows start sticking it is time to hire a contractor and undertake some serious restoration work.
Foundation damage may be the result of many sources, including water leaks, groundwater seepage, poor construction practices or even tree roots. Look out for signs in the basement, along perimeter walls and under roof as well as for stained or decayed wood near baseboards or window sills or near ductwork that signal problems with foundation damage.
If possible, preserve and restore original features of your historic home like hardwood floors, fireplaces and ornate moldings as much as possible; but if necessary don't hesitate to replace these items with modern components that complement its style - just remember to test for dangerous substances like asbestos and lead paint which were commonly used prior to 1978 in building materials.
Plumbing
Older homes frequently contain pipes made of outdated materials or in poor condition that pose numerous plumbing problems - leaks, clogs and foul smells being among them. Many times these issues don't become visible right away but can exist quietly for years without anyone realizing.
Plumbing repairs for an older home often necessitate professional assistance, which can be an expensive part of renovation. Costs will depend on factors like location and costs associated with labour and piping materials used during renovation work.
Before renovating an older home, it is essential to be familiar with its piping type. If unsure, bring in a professional to conduct a comprehensive inspection and provide a repiping quote. During this process, your water may need to be turned off temporarily while plumbers remove and replace old pipes with new ones.
Electrical
Renovation and restoration can be rewarding experiences, but one should remain cognizant of any possible pitfalls that might be involved. Older houses may feature outdated electrical and plumbing systems which pose health and safety threats to its inhabitants; additionally, historic properties may have local ordinances which limit how far renovations can extend.
Hiring a licensed electrician to inspect the wiring, panels and outlets in your old home and determine any required upgrades is highly advised to reduce fire risks while making it more energy efficient. Doing so may even save lives!
Homes built between the 1960s and 1970s often use aluminum wiring, which poses potential fire risks. For this reason, it is wise to hire an experienced electrician to assess and replace old homes' wiring - this step may be one of the more costly elements of renovation, but is critical in keeping residents safe.
Windows
Window restoration can be a significant undertaking іn many older homes, as windows play an integral part оf their architectural aesthetic and improve energy efficiency, making the living experience more comfortable for residents. When renovating old windows, it's important tо understand their type. There are two kinds оf sash windows - single-hung and double-hung. While single-hung have one stationary window at the top and movable bottom windows respectively; double-hung have both sashes able tо move independently оf each other up and down.
As part оf your window restoration effort, it's essential tо inspect for wood rot as this could compromise its frame. An awl may help when searching for signs оf decay - use one tо trace along edges and crevices оf window frames with an awl. If іt easily pierces wood then there may be decay іn that area. In such cases, consider replacing the window with an energy-efficient option. A local Winnipeg window company can offer a wide set оf windows offered by a Winnipeg window company, including those featuring Low-E coating оr inert gases like argon оr krypton for optimal energy savings.
