If you live in an older style home and are looking to upgrade the space to something a bit more modern, consider hiring building contractors for your old house remodelling project. Remodelling an older house requires specific planning and design with architects, inspectors and an experienced build team. Below are some tips, for all areas you may be want to consider, when improving the resale value of your old home.
Renovate Outdoor Structures & Exteriors
Consider renovating the existing structures and buildings on the property so that the colour and styles all complement each other. If the renovation plans are to bring the house to the modern age or to restore the era of the structure, follow through with similar renovations throughout the property.
Replace the Front Doors
First impressions are everything in the real estate world and attention to the front door is essential to welcoming potential buyers. If the door was replaced within the past 10 years, a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint and new weatherstripping can improve the look and function. An older house may need a new door.
Replace the Windows
Most older homes have single pane glass windows that were produced years, if not decades, before energy-efficient glass was invented. New windows will provide a stunning design with air-tight seals and protection from ultraviolet rays.
Repair All Fences
The old saying “good fences make good neighbours” can have different meanings to different people. A fence adds value and beauty to a property in addition to providing a sense of privacy for the homeowner. The design, style, and colour of the fence should corelate with the theme of the house renovation.
Add New Siding
Homes with vinyl siding manufactured in the mid to late 20th century may need more than a pressure wash. Older siding material can be easily cracked or severely damaged by ultraviolet rays, harsh weather conditions, and fluctuating temperatures. The renovation can also include adding extra insulation to the outer walls for better protection.
Replace Your Roof
To remodel an old house to modern standards, replace the roof to add protection while increasing the value and aesthetics of the home. Increase the energy-efficiency of the house by adding solar panels on the roof and install metal roofing materials to extend the lifespan of the roof.
Remodel Your Bathroom
A bathroom remodelling project may require replacing and updating the entire space including pipes. Older plumbing of lead, galvanized steel, copper or plastic resin pipes will need to be replaced for safety measures.
Upgrade Outdated Vanities
During construction of homes in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, the bathroom vanity was usually constructed with the same material as the kitchen cabinets and countertop. Fast forward to the 21st century and many modern materials have begun to replace these older vanities. Consider birch, cherry or oak wood for the base and top the vanity with natural stone like marble, quartz, soapstone or porcelain.
Add a New Tile Floor
When it comes to bathroom floors, many old homes had small black and white tile designs arranged in pinwheel, insert squares or hexagon shapes. Many modern homes will replicate this style with similar or larger sizes of tiles. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are the most commonly used flooring for their durability, waterproof capabilities and stain and slip-resistant properties.
Upgrade the Shower, Tub and Toilet
Upgrading the bathroom fixtures of the tub, shower, and toilet can offer all the conveniences of the modern age with the style of the old. In addition to new piping, redesigning the layout of the bathroom for a separate floating or claw tub and a frameless shower is possible. Replacing the old toilet with a water-saving toilet will increase the resale value as well as save money on the energy bill.
Remodel Your Kitchen
The kitchen is often considered one of the most used spaces of any home. Updating the countertops can be just the beginning to designing a more functional and aesthetically pleasing room.
Upgrade Cabinets
Upgrading the cabinets to gain more storage space while improving the quality and look of the kitchen can attract home buyers. With the increased need for accessibility options, kitchen cabinets can be designed with a hydraulic system for better access.
Repair Flooring
An older home may have outdated and damaged floor tiles or linoleum flooring that needs to be replaced to accommodate a kitchen remodel. Consider the wide selection of luxury laminate and vinyl flooring to bring the kitchen to modern times without compromising on the style of the home.
Upgrade Sinks & Faucets
Faucets are available in an array of styles and designs complete with the modern conveniences of touchless operation, pull-downs and foot control. Choose from various basins in ceramic or stainless steel to match the aesthetic of your kitchen.
Finish Your Basement
To add value to an older home, consider an old house basement remodelling project. Use this opportunity to waterproof the foundation while adding insulation and update the plumbing and electrical system of the home.
Paint Your House
Once all of the major renovations of an old house are completed, it is time to focus on tying the look of the home together with a fresh paint job, on the inside and outside of the house. The exterior of the house should be colour-matched to that of the era of the house with consideration of neighbouring homes.
Also Read: 9 Old Home Renovation Mistakes to Avoid
Hire Professionals to Do a Complete Old House Remodelling Job
The complexity of renovating an older home requires the expertise of a professional contractor. From the replacement of systems to the historical preservation of the house, a team of architects, designers and builders is necessary for a complete remodelling project.
If you are looking for “old home renovation contractors near me”, contact Elite Construction and Renovations. We have a team of engineers, designers and carpenters that have the experience to reconstruct and restore your older house with modern conveniences without compromising the history of the home. Contact us today!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jay McDonald
Jay McDonald, general contractor and owner of Elite Construction & Renovations, has over 20 years of construction experience. He has completed various Ontario Building Code and Business Management courses from George Brown College and has managed over $50 million-dollars-worth of construction in his career.