Old homes have a unique charm that no amount of modern design can match. That's why more and more people are opting to buy and restore old homes than build new ones from scratch. But renovating presents a challenge of its own. Not only do they take extensive planning, they can also cost more and take up more of your time. Here are some tricks to help make your renovating project easier.
A strong foundation
The first thing you should look at is the home's foundation, or the structures that actually hold it up. This includes the beams, posts, floor joists, and the studs beneath the walls. If you start building with weak foundation, chances are it'll fall apart before you're even finished. Watch out for parts that are weakened-this is especially common in the walls and floorboards.
Layout issues
Decide whether to keep the old layout or make a new one. The latter obviously takes more work, but there's more to it than that. Also consider your space needs-do you really need a large living room, or would you rather use the extra space for bedrooms? Does the house need extending? At this point, you may want to consult a contractor or interior designer to make sure you make the right choices.
Flooring problems
Often, the first thing you'll notice about an old home is its floor. There's the occasional loose floorboard, loud creaks, missing tiles, and all sorts of flooring problems. Some of them are costly to repair, but others may only need some strengthening. If you have access to the floor from underneath, use it to check and fix underlying problems. Otherwise, you may need a professional to assess it for you.
Structural carpentry
When you have a fairly good idea of what you want and what the house can offer, it's time consult your contractor. Here you'll talk about moving and erecting walls, sizing and positioning windows, and placing supports for the upstairs layout. He or she should give you an estimate for the whole project. Make sure to discuss wiring and plumbing as well, including the installation of HVAC systems.
By:Simon Burke
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