When it comes to remodeling old homes there are many pitfalls and problems that you may face. This is especially true for homes that are over 80 years old. Since many of the older homes such as this have components and retrofits that aren’t common it can make a home remodeling project a nightmare. There are some things that you can do however to save some money on your next home remodel project. Unfortunately, there are also many things that you may attempt to do yourself that will cost you even more when you’re attempting projects for remodeling old homes. Don’t make a simple mistake that could cost you thousands, read more to find out how you can save money on your next home remodel.
Top Ways to Save for Remodeling Old Homes
Remodeling old homes is much different than home remodel projects in homes that were built in the last few decades. There are many different aspects and designs that could come into play for older homes. The best part of most of these unique differences is that they actually help give the home more character. Saving old design elements and re-purposing them could save you money later. I’ll share a few tips for saving money when you’re remodeling your old house.
Don’t Demo Yourself
Most home improvement people will tell you the best way to save money on a home improvement or home remodeling project is to do the demo yourself. While this may be true on some of the newer homes it’s not true for homes that are older. The reason why you should not demo the area yourself is because you could remove something that is hanging onto something else. Because many old homes were built in a much different time they were built using building codes that were much different. Many of the older homes were not inspected and were built using methods that modern contractors would likely avoid.
Many old homes were built in a much different time they were built using building codes that were much different.
This can cause all sorts of problems when you’re remodeling the home. It means you’ll need to pay special attention to vital areas such as around load bearing components. That’s not to say you can’t do some of the demo yourself however. Removing carpets and moldings from walls can save you some money especially in larger areas.
Consider Components and Building Materials that Mimic Rather Than Reproduce
Remodeling an older home can be costly. This is usually because of the materials used in the initial build that needs to be replicated. For instance, if your home has travertine tile pieces that are damaged and very old it’s likely you won’t find any tiles that will match perfectly. In most cases replacing the entire floor is necessary. Although you’ll need to replace the entire floor you can use alternative flooring such as luxury vinyl tile on the floor to save money. It looks much the same and is readily available.
Here are some other items that can be made to mimic original look and feel of the older components:
- Siding
- Roofing
- Countertops
- Walls
- Windows
- And more
Don’t Move Things From Their Original Spot
Another great way to save money when remodel old homes is to leave some components where they are. Items like sinks or toilets in older homes usually have plumbing that is not used today. Pipes may be made from cast iron and when you move a component the entire plumbing system will likely need to be replaced.
If you have a tip or advice on how to save money on remodeling old homes be sure to share it with us on our social media pages or in the comments below.