Old homes are usually available on the real estate market dirt cheap. A modern home of the same size and location will cost far more. However, the trade-off is that you might have a lot of work to do before the house is liveable again. It may seem daunting, but we’ve prepared a guide for those looking to live in their very own old house.
1. Inspect the building
Have an inspector check if the structure adheres to the local building codes. Over the generations, newer rules were put in place to ensure homes were constructed safer, but old homes may have been left dormant for so long that they are no longer up to par. Besides the building’s structural integrity, check for the following also:
- Lead paint. Lead paint used to be popular in the old days, but now we know that any paint made with lead is hazardous.
- Mould. Peel back the wallpaper and check the basement for black mould, which could cause allergy symptoms, headache, and serious infection in those with compromised immune systems.
- Pests. Some old houses may have become homes for rats, termites, and other such creatures. Check around for hollow spots where they can crawl into.
- Outdated electrical system. Old breaker boxes and electrical systems aren’t as safe as they are now and could lead to fires inside the home.
Professional cleaners, electricians, and pest control experts would know exactly what to do in each instance, so don’t hesitate to contact them to sort out the problem.
2. Start with the obvious damage
If there’s a lot of work to do, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, but to keep from getting too frazzled, remember that the easiest things to work on are always the major, most visible problems like broken windows, holes in the roof, rotting wood, etc. List down the biggest problems first, then take on the smaller tasks.
3. Switch to more efficient appliances
Old houses are usually furnished with appliances that don’t have the convenient features and energy-saving capabilities that contemporary appliances do. Most old appliances also take up plenty of space, so if you find that the kitchen or basement is too cramped, maybe switching to sleeker models could fix the issue. To that end, it’s wiser to switch to more efficient and modern appliances like electric boilers. You can consider hiring the services of a reputable boiler installation Liverpool company for your safety and convenience.
4. Preserve some original elements
Some people buy old houses because they adore the style and décor characteristic of that era. If some elements from the house are still in good condition or are eligible for restoration, you can keep them in the space to retain that old charm.
There’s something glorious about old houses that modern ones can’t quite replicate. Along with being a great investment, an old house is a great way to honour tradition and history. With work, determination, and help from professionals, you’ll surely end up with a unique and charming house.
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