Older homes have an undeniable charm, and this may be because most of them were built with strong materials. While some original features may still be intact, other features such as roofs, windows, floors, and appliances may need to be re-furnished or improved to maintain the integrity of the home. So if you’ve just bought an older house or your house has lived through a couple of design transformations, here are some quick and easy tips to keep in mind as you begin work on your home.
1. Figure out your finances.
Before starting your renovations, make sure you have enough money to support the project. Researching the cost of remodeling projects in your area can help you come up with a price estimate. This will then help you come up with a financial plan. Once you have an estimate, it’s time to come up with financing options. Saving up is a great idea, but sometimes unexpected expenses can make you go over budget, prompting the need for extra financing.
When you have an important home improvement project, you’ll need a reliable financial partner. This is why you should know about Pacific Private Money, the private money firm that’s committed to ensuring that your borrowing process runs as seamlessly as possible. Since 2008, Pacific Private Money Inc. has disbursed over 1500 loans to borrowers like you.
Home-renovation loans may cover renovation costs such as roof repairs, updates to your HVAC system, weatherproofing your home, and so much more. Besides this, they can also help you install new home appliances and accessories like ceiling fans and an outdoor kitchen, all of which will add value to the house. To learn more about Pacific Private Money Inc.’s rehab loans and how a private money loan can help you achieve your home renovation goals, visit their website.
2. Concentrate on window replacement over repairs.
Your home’s windows are one of its most conspicuous features, so if they look old or shabby, your home will as well. Knowing this, as you prepare to refurbish your home, you may also want to replace your windows. For instance, you may want to install oversized windows if you’d prefer more natural light. You may also need to check the quality of your window screens. This is important because if they appear to be in disrepair, this could affect your home’s curb appeal.
Most old homes have single-paned-glass windows, which aren’t energy-efficient or great at insulating your home. On the other hand, modern double-paned glass windows are very energy efficient. This means that they keep cooled or heated air from leaving your home. Your energy bills will see a significant drop once you’ve installed new windows, as this insulation reduces your home’s energy usage. If you’re looking to sell your home, these new windows will be a huge selling point due to the utility bill savings it’ll be affording prospective buyers.
If your old windows stick when you try to open them or have to be propped up to stay open, consider having them replaced. Additionally, if your windows are always foggy, it may be time to have them replaced. If you’re in the Michigan area, All Weather Seal of West Michigan offers a variety of energy-efficient window replacement services to help improve the atmosphere of your home. Understanding that the quality of your new windows is only as good as the professionals who install them, you can trust their Better Business Bureau-certified crews to do a great job.
If you’re looking to sell your home after you renovate it, you may also want to enlist the services of a professional window cleaner. As earlier mentioned, windows play a big role in improving your home’s curb appeal, and so clean windows are a great way to make a good first impression. Not every homebuyer loves a home remodeling project, so the more “move-in” ready your home seems, the more appealing it will look to such a buyer.
Having your home and the surrounding property power washed to include gutter cleaning, and window cleaning will make it such that your buyer’s only concern will be getting settled into their new residence. If you’re in the Concord area, you can learn about Concord window cleaning by visiting Labor Panes, one of North Carolina’s trusted window cleaners.
3. Consider the state of your roof.
Roof replacement may not be the most exciting part of your remodel, but it has utilitarian value, so make it a priority. Due to exposure to harsh weather, your home’s roof may begin to sag. This is a sign that you need to have it replaced before it caves in and causes more damage to your home. This could also be a sign that your roof has a moisture build-up, so also have it checked for rot. Before starting any roofing repairs and renovations, be sure to contact a contractor to get an expert’s opinion.
4. Update the electrical system.
If your home was built between 1960 and 1980, check its wiring to make sure that it doesn’t have a breaker box manufactured by Federal Pacific Electric, FPE. Avoid these breaker boxes because they are a potential fire hazard. Regular breaker boxes shut off when overloaded, to prevent the risk of overheating. On the other hand, FPE breaker boxes don’t go off when overloaded, making them a likely fire risk. What’s more, FPE went out of business years ago, but their breaker boxes are still used in homes across the United States. This makes it even harder to have their breaker boxes repaired.
5. Retain the primary walls.
Before knocking down your walls, make sure that you’ve lived on the property for at least five months. Opening up your home’s floor plan may seem like a good idea at first, but most homeowners later regret this decision. To avoid making this mistake, take some time to think this decision through.
Building sites are full of debris, so to avoid any injuries or accidents, remember to wear personal protective clothing in place of casual dresses and loungewear.