Older homes are usually places that have served families and residents well for many years. However, age does catch up with them. Fortunately, the right renovations can breathe new life into them, preserving their charm and character. Knowing the top things to look for when renovating an older home simplifies the process for you.
Your Budget
How much you can spend on your renovations is up to you and your financial circumstances. If you're doing renovations to improve the property value, you might get a lot of the money back, but only if you have enough to spend in the first place.
HOA Bylaws
Homeowner's association bylaws typically matter more about the landscaping and exterior of a home than the interior, so inside renovations may not matter too much. However, there might be stipulations about noise, clutter, work zones, and the like that impact how and when you do renovations.
HVAC Service
Older homes usually haven't had their HVAC system updated for quite a while, possibly even decades. At the very least, you need a professional HVAC contractor to come out and look over the system for trouble spots, maintenance, and cleaning. They can tell you what needs to be fixed and what your upgrade possibilities are.
Code Issues
The older a home is, the less likely it is to comply with modern codes. Sometimes, the issues are just grandfathered in and allowed. Other times, doing any renovations would mean being legally required to bring the home up to code. Find out what the rules are, and start with a home inspection that lets you know where your home is currently at.
Homeowner's Insurance Rules
Your homeowner's insurance carrier is probably going to be very happy that you're doing renovations to possibly make a home safer and increase its longevity. Then again, they might also have rules that you need to know about in regards to the renovations they will cover, regulations that apply during the work, and the stipulations about the final results.
One Last Thing
If you intend to sell your older home anytime in the near future, then consider what modern buyers are looking for when doing your renovations. Improving the quality of life and function within an older home is always a great thing to do, but catering to contemporary demands can bring a lot of increased property value when you make the sale.
