Fixing up an old house into a new home is not impossible, but you need to be keen on details during the entire process. One of the best tips when remodeling an old house is learning to appreciate and accept its quirks. However, these same features could at times be the root of various maintenance issues. Thus, it is essential to understand the restoration process if you intend to buy a historic house.
Renovation and restoration are two different concepts. The latter involves making improvements to enhance a property while retaining historical accuracy. The following are some things to take into account before you begin restoration.
1.Living in a restored home is a commitment
If you prefer features such as new radiant floors and heated or cooled rooms, living in an older house with a lot of irregularities may not be in your best interest. If you adore residing in an old home, understand that you will not have access to some of the privileges of a new house. If a historic house is still your dream, it will be easy to carry out roofing restoration and restoration of other areas to make it more habitable.
2. Water damage is more prevalent than you may think
Water damage in old houses is common, and this issue needs to be addressed in a timely fashion because it has long-term effects. Look out for water damage in areas such as the floors, ceilings, and windows. Water damage could also signal severe structural problems. Therefore, pay attention to other parts of the house, such as the sill plate.
All vertical structures of a house are attached to this feature that covers the entire foundation. It is most vulnerable to water damage because it is found near wet grounds. If your floors are crooked, the cause could be a warped sill plate. Restoring a house sitting on a warped sill plate could prove to be very difficult.
3.Begin with masonry and the roof
In restoration, the first stages should lean more on the practical than the aesthetic side. That is because you will need to fix areas and things that will stop any future damage to the house. The best places to begin restoring are your roof and the masonry work. For instance, your historic home could be in a region where the sand quality is poor.
Because the house’s location is sometimes related to the building materials used, aspects of the house such as the chimneys could be weak. In such a case, it is a good idea to begin with restoring the masonry work. Furthermore, fixing your roof will prevent further water damage to the house.
Old homes are beautiful, and they carry a lot of history, bringing a certain level of charm. Restoring the house to live in it and continue the history will require a lot of dedication as it can be an uphill task. The tips above will prove helpful as you begin restoration.