Image Credit: Roya Ann Miller from Unsplash.
Older homes boast a certain amount of appeal. They can be more historic, include features often not seen in newer houses, and more. In most cases, they’ll need to be renovated, though. This could be an issue, as renovating an old house can be complicated.
There might be more than a few areas to take care of, and it’ll even cost a decent bit of money. You’ll need to know more than a few things while you’re at it, but many of these can be overlooked. That’s despite how important they can be.
Three of these can be more important than you’d think.
Renovating an Old House: 3 Things to Know
1. The Plumbing Needs to Be Changed
The plumbing in a home always needs to be considered, but that’s especially true with an older house. If it’s over 50 or 60 years old, then it could’ve used lead pipes or similar options, which could be unhealthy for your water source.
These also aren’t known for their longevity, and they’ll start breaking down relatively quickly. They’re one of the first areas you’ll need to look at.
Replacing the pipes in your home is vital, as it makes sure you don’t have to deal with countless plumbing issues. Replace the pipes with healthier, more long-lasting options so you don’t have any problems. If you’re in the Boulder area, it’s a good idea to consult with local experts like Plumbing Services Boulder CO. They can provide professional advice and ensure that your plumbing is updated to meet current standards, helping to prevent future issues and improve the overall safety and efficiency of your home’s water system. .
2. It Could Need Insulation
Depending on the age of the house you’re renovating, there mightn’t be a lot of insulation in it, if any. Like the plumbing, this wouldn’t have been done to today’s standards. You could need to rectify this situation relatively quickly.
Thankfully, this shouldn’t take a lot of time and effort to resolve. If you have the skills, you could put in the insulation yourself.
On the other hand, insulation companies aren’t too expensive to hire, and they’ll make sure the job is well-done. You’ll have a warmer home while lowering your potential utility bills once you’ve sorted this out.
3. The Walls Could Be Toxic
Speaking of insulation, it’s always worth considering the walls these are put in. What many people mightn’t know is the walls in older homes could be toxic. There are several reasons why that’s the case.
The paint is one of the more notable, as this could include a lot of lead. You’ll breathe this in every day and it’ll affect your health.
Then there’s the asbestos the walls could have. This is even more dangerous than you could think, and you’ll have to address this as quickly as possible. While this is a large job to do, it’s worth the time and investment.
Renovating an Old House: Wrapping Up
Renovating an old house makes sure it’s safe to live in while also making sure it looks and functions the way you want. That doesn’t always mean it’s an easy process, though.
You’ll need to know quite a few things before diving into it. They’ll help you make sure you sort out everything that needs to be looked after while making sure the house is as amazing as possible.