Photo via Pixels
Fixing up an old home can be incredibly rewarding. You get to live in a house with history and
character, one that you have emotionally and physically invested in. For many homeowners, it’s
well worth the money and effort. However, it is important to understand that fixing up an old
house is also complicated, expensive and often frustrating, so you need to ask yourself the right
questions and know what you are getting into beforehand.
What Do I Want to Change?
It’s important to be aware of all the changes you’d like to make so you can make an accurate
and realistic plan for how you will get your house looking exactly like you want. Make a list of
everything you’d like to change, then sort it by priority. Jobs that make the house safer or easier
to live in, such as improved insulation or updating electrical, should come first. As tempting as
diving straight into aesthetic changes can be, these can wait.
Remember that not all modern renovations will look good in an old house. If you aren’t careful,
things can start looking odd very quickly, which is why one of the fundamental rules of old-
house remodeling is keeping everything in proportion, according to U.S. News & World Report.
How Will My Home’s Age Impact the Work?
The older your house, the more likely it is that something will go wrong. Common problems with
older homes, such as termites, mold damage, and faulty pipework, have had more time to
establish themselves in the house. Also, depending on the era, older houses may have more
historical elements you want to keep. Restoration (restoring old elements) is much more
expensive than renovation (replacing old with new), because it usually requires a level of
craftsmanship or historical expertise.
What Can I DIY?
The answer to that question relies entirely on your DIY skills. If you’re a beginner, there are still
plenty of jobs that you can learn on the spot or with the help of an online tutorial. As Family
Handyman points out, projects like tightening a loose showerhead, weatherstripping and
mending loose wallpaper are jobs you can do yourself.
One way to get inspiration on the DIY possibilities in an old home is to read up on what other
people in your situation have done. Start reading old house renovation blogs to see the many
ways in which fellow old homeowners have taken huge projects into their own hands.
Which Jobs Are Better Left to the Pros?
There are certain jobs that should always be left to the pros (unless you have a lot of personal
experience in that kind of work). Unfortunately, many of these jobs are exactly the sort of work
old houses need, like plumbing, electrical, tilework, asbestos removal, and getting rid of mold.
Also, while you might think that refinishing your hardwood floors could be a DIY project, it’s
actually a job better suited to the professionals. The bigger the project, the more you’ll pay -- a
complex refinishing can run over $3,000.
There are also jobs like termite extermination. When dealing with termites, the best option is to
call a professional as soon as possible so the problem doesn’t get worse. Just know that, at an
average cost of $8,644, the costs of termite extermination and damage repair can be steep.
If your home needs plumbing work, you’ll want to bring in a professional as they’ll have the
expertise to deal with leaks, clogs, and installing plumbing appliances. When researching “local
plumbers near me,” you can visit a site like Angi which shares feedback from previous
customers and deals in your area.
Consider All Options When Budgeting
With these options and costs in mind, be sure to budget wisely to avoid getting in over your
head. Your budget should include all foreseeable costs -- if even estimated -- for contract labor
and supplies. Research all you can and align your budget with anticipated timelines as well as
your personal budget.
Renovating an old fixer-upper from scratch and getting a unique, gorgeous dream home in the
process is certainly achievable. As long as you’re willing to roll your sleeves up, put in some
work, and invest in professional help, you can have the beautifully renovated home you’ve been
dreaming of.
Guest Contributor Ray Flynn