The decision to restore a historic home is a bold step, but it has the potential for big rewards. If you do this correctly, you will significantly increase the price you paid for the house, but you will also create a stunning and comfortable family home. This is a good incentive to get started!
Before you start, however, you should use the following 5 tips to make the whole process run smoother.
Conduct surveys
When restoring a historic house, you will almost certainly encounter some unexpected problems. These can certainly affect the timeframe and cost of the recovery process. If you are prepared by filling out as many surveys as possible in advance, you can minimize the nasty surprises. The surveys range from structural integrity to wood infestation to dye penetration tests and water damage. Water damage is one of the biggest problems you face. Therefore, check this thoroughly. It contributes to wet rot as well as mold and mildew, which is not good for your health.
Quality first
Restoring an old house is a long-term commitment, especially if you plan to live in it at the same time. Funds are likely to be an ongoing issue. However, you probably don't need to speed up the restoration. Instead, focus on doing one piece at a time and doing it well. The quality of the restoration is important. You want the work you do not to complement the house and extend its life. That said, it makes sense to do it slowly but well.
Resale value
You probably don't think about reselling your historic home, especially if you're just starting the restoration process. However, it is a good idea to consider how the changes you make affect the resale potential. You never know when things will change and you want to sell it. A hose that is easy to sell helps.
Frame first
We have already said that you should proceed slowly when restoring. However, it is important to start with the frame, ie walls, windows, doors and roof. If these are repaired and structural noise occurs, you are off to a good start. The rest of the process is much easier if you know the house is wind and rain proof. This also ensures that no further damage can occur inside the house and allows you to take your time for the internal recovery process. It is a love work.
Include some elements
You buy and restore a historic house. While some quirks and properties have to go away in order to adapt modern functions, not all of them have to. The uneven but structural sound floor can be retained. It is not a danger and part of the original attractiveness of the house. Remember, if you take the restoration process too far, you will get a house that resembles any modern one. It is important to embrace some of the quirks in your home. It turns it from a house into a home.
