If you own an older home, you’re probably all too aware of how tricky it is to live comfortably inside it. Old homes aren’t made for the current climate, nor are they really all that conducive to modern living.
They can be spacious, of course, but there can also be little to no usable storage areas. They can have hardy heating and plumbing, but those pipes and wires tend to be just as old as the brick and mortar. And not only is it a draughty place outside of the summer season, but whenever the sun is out, heat gets trapped within the four walls and turns the whole place into a sauna!
But seeing as modern homes come with so much unique class and character, they’re not the kind of property you want to give up on either! If that’s the conundrum you currently find yourself in, where your older home is both lovely and horrible at the same time, we’re here to lend a hand.
After all, the list below is filled with ideas for home improvement projects that’ll turn a 50+ year old home into a modern paradise. You just need to note down what projects would be best for the structure you call home and get to work!
Call Out a Pest Control Company
Noticed any weird noises coming from the walls? Maybe you’ve spotted some piles of droppings around? These will usually look like sawdust shavings or small bits of bark. If you’re getting both of these signs in tandem, it’s likely you’ve got a pest problem.
And when it comes to living in an older home, those pests are most likely to be termites living in the wood. Be sure to get in touch with a pest control company who can assess the likelihood of this, as well as take care of any infestations they find.
That’ll leave your home pest free, and make it more comfortable, cozy, and cleaner to live in! No one wants to live with pests all around them, even if you can’t see them, so go for peace of mind here.
Add More Ventilation
Older homes tend to have limited air flow. Depending on the age of the property, there may even be little to no proper ventilation at all. You have the windows, of course, but the in house air flow system is very much worse for wear.
If that’s the case in your property, let’s get that stale air out of your rooms once and for all! You need some more ventilation to ensure there’s a fresh flow of clean air coming in and out your home. Not only does this make your house smell nicer, but it’s much safer to live with as well.
Relay the Roof
A roof on an older home is probably past its use-by date at this point. If it’s been over 50 years since your home was constructed, and definitely it’s been closer to or even over 100 years since, you’re going to need some renovation work up top ASAP!
The first thing to do is conduct a visual inspection. No roof can just be ripped up and replaced. There needs to be a check to see what’s still in good condition, what is worse for wear, and what needs removing before the next storm hits. After all, you could end up taking away perfectly good shingle and tile, and that could be a big waste of money.
Install Solar Panels
Once you’ve got your roof worries sorted out, it’s time to think about the energy your home is supplied with. Older homes can sometimes be energy sinks, as they’re working on older heating and electricity systems. If you’ve never had your central heating assessed before, now is the time to get a professional out to take a look and ensure it’s still safe!
But you should also consider using solar panels here. Not only can this make running an old home cheaper, but it’ll ensure the property will continue to last for another 50 to 100 years to come.
Plus, solar panels are perfect for older homes, as the roof on these properties are likely to have more surface area to work with. Get the ball rolling here by getting in touch with a solar energy company. They can come out and take measurements, as well as let you know what kind of solar panel and battery set up is best for your home in particular.
Create a Backyard Space You Can Spend Time in
Does your home have a garden? Most older homes will have a yard of some kind, usually fenced in quite tightly as well. Because of this, it can be hard to try and use the space in a comfortable and productive way - but it’s not impossible either!
You may just need to remove the hardscaping that’s already going on, replace it with a more free flow landscape, and put down a new patio or deck. It’s OK if there isn’t much room for greenery; you’re just trying to create another ‘room’ out of the garden space you’ve been afforded.
That needs to come first. You can design a more robust green space after that, just as long as you’ve got a covered outdoor seating area properly placed to begin with.
Living in an Older Home? Let’s Make it a Modern Paradise
Older homes can become modern paradises with a bit of hard graft and elbow grease. Make sure you put some time into the home improvement projects above; they’ll make your home the best place to be out of the entire neighborhood.
After all, the older the home, the better the construction. If it’s stood the test of time thus far, it’s clearly been made to last! Now you just have to bring it into the modern era with a few modern conveniences, such as new plumbing, a new roof, better ventilation, and a bit of renewable energy to rely on!
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