Renovating an older home is often a dream come true for many homeowners—a chance to restore history, add personal touches, and bring new life into a well-loved space. But with the charm of an older home comes unique challenges. From outdated wiring to stubborn foundation issues, older homes demand special considerations that can easily turn small projects into bigger commitments.
Let’s explore the key points every suburban homeowner should know before diving into a renovation project on an older home. And as someone who’s been down this road (and seen it all in the remodeling world), I’ll share some useful tips to keep your project on track—and your sanity intact!
1. Structural Surprises Are Part of the Package
One thing to know about older homes: They often come with a surprise or two hiding in the walls, floors, or even the foundation. The structure might have settled over time, leading to uneven floors, or there may be hidden water damage from past leaks. Getting a detailed inspection before you begin isn’t just a good idea; it’s essential.
I remember a client who, after peeling back a section of their century-old floor, found wooden beams that had been (barely) holding up the kitchen floor. They’d been worn down by water over the years, and it wasn’t until the flooring came up that we saw the extent of the problem. Inspections saved them from costly surprises later!
Pro Tip: Get a full structural assessment to identify any hidden issues. A good inspection can reveal foundational cracks, water damage, or termite activity that could impact your renovation plans.
2. Electrical Updates Are a Must
Older homes weren’t built with today’s electrical needs in mind. Wiring that was suitable in the 1940s just doesn’t cut it today, especially with the number of gadgets, appliances, and tech tools we rely on. Outdated wiring is not only inconvenient but can be a fire hazard.
In one of my earliest remodeling projects, we found an old knob-and-tube wiring system—basically, an electrician’s worst nightmare. Updating the electrical system wasn’t just a necessity; it became the cornerstone of the project.
Pro Tip: Budget for a complete electrical overhaul if your home is more than a few decades old. You’ll want safe, modern wiring, especially if you’re adding appliances, lighting, or anything that will increase electrical demand.
3. Lead Paint and Asbestos: What to Watch For
It’s common knowledge that many older homes were painted with lead-based paint and might contain asbestos, especially in insulation, floor tiles, and ceiling materials. These aren’t always problems, but if you’re planning demolition or structural changes, it’s crucial to address them safely. A homeowner I worked with decided to remove old popcorn ceilings themselves. What they didn’t know was that the ceiling contained asbestos. Thankfully, they called us before diving too far in, and we were able to bring in the right professionals to handle it safely.
Pro Tip: Before any demolition, have your home tested for lead paint and asbestos. If you find them, hire certified professionals to handle removal—they’ll ensure your home is safe for everyone involved.
4. Old Windows: To Replace or Restore?
The windows in older homes are often beautiful, with original wood frames and vintage glass that adds character. However, these windows weren’t designed for energy efficiency, and they can let in drafts (not to mention dust and pollen). When tackling an older home renovation, decide whether it makes more sense to replace or restore.
In one of my favorite restorations, the homeowners were adamant about keeping the original windows for historical integrity. We ended up restoring the frames, adding weatherstripping, and installing interior storm windows for added insulation. The home retained its classic look while becoming far more energy-efficient.
Pro Tip: Consider all options—restoring older windows can preserve charm, but new energy-efficient models will lower energy bills and reduce drafts. Talk with a specialist who understands historical renovations to weigh the pros and cons.
5. Plumbing Can Be… Interesting
The plumbing in older homes can be a mixed bag. Pipes made from materials like galvanized steel or cast iron are common in older homes, but they corrode over time and can cause water pressure issues or even leaks. Renovating older plumbing might mean replacing pipes entirely, especially if you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel. I once worked on a home where the water flow in the kitchen faucet would practically disappear whenever the washing machine was running. When we looked deeper, we found pipes so narrow and clogged that water was barely squeezing through!
Pro Tip: If your home is decades old, consider a plumbing upgrade during your renovation. Upgrading to copper or PEX pipes can improve water pressure and prevent future leaks.
6. Preserving Architectural Details
One of the best parts of renovating an older home is restoring its unique architectural details—crown molding, built-ins, hardwood floors, and unique tilework all add to the character. Modern renovations sometimes lead to “stripping down” the charm, so it’s wise to plan with preservation in mind.
I had a client who fell in love with the intricate ceiling moldings in their Victorian-era living room. We carefully restored the molding rather than removing it, and it became a major focal point of the renovation.
Pro Tip: Identify the architectural details you want to keep, and incorporate them into the new design. Skilled contractors can often restore or recreate period-appropriate elements if needed.
7. The Perks of Adding Insulation
Older homes often have minimal insulation, and that can make winters colder and energy bills higher. Renovations are the perfect time to improve insulation, particularly if you’re opening up walls or working on the attic.
I’ve seen some homes where the “insulation” was practically nonexistent. A little bit of modern insulation made an incredible difference, turning drafty rooms into cozy, energy-efficient spaces.
Pro Tip: Add insulation wherever you’re able. Walls, attics, and crawl spaces are key areas where modern insulation can make a huge difference, saving you money and keeping your home comfortable year-round.
8. Updating the Floor Plan for Modern Living
Older homes were often built with smaller, compartmentalized rooms—a far cry from today’s open-concept designs. While you may want to preserve some of that charm, updating the floor plan can make the space more livable.
A couple I worked with loved their older home’s character but found themselves wishing for more flow between the kitchen and dining area. By opening up a wall, they created a semi-open concept that let light in while keeping the home’s charm.
Pro Tip: Consider combining rooms or removing non-load-bearing walls to create more open space. Keep in mind that some walls might be necessary for the structural integrity of older homes, so consult with a structural engineer before removing anything major.
9. Budgeting for the Unexpected
It’s no secret that older homes often come with a few extra surprises (and not always the good kind). From surprise leaks to mysterious wiring, budgeting for unexpected costs is crucial.
Real Talk: One of my clients said they started with a “dream budget” and quickly realized that, with each new discovery, they’d need to plan for contingencies. They ended up setting aside an extra 15% just for surprises—and used nearly all of it!
Pro Tip: When renovating an older home, set aside an additional 10-20% of your budget for unforeseen issues. This extra cushion will make handling any unexpected repairs much less stressful.
10. Knowing When to Call a Professional
DIY is popular for good reason, but when it comes to older homes, some tasks really do require a professional. Whether it’s handling asbestos, rewiring an electrical system, or installing a new plumbing line, know your limits—and don’t be afraid to call in the experts.
I’ve seen more than a few DIY “fixes” that ended up costing homeowners more in repairs down the road. One couple’s attempt at updating their own plumbing left them with a surprise leak that could’ve been avoided with a quick call to a pro.
Pro Tip: If you’re taking on any major work, especially where safety is concerned, invest in professional help. It saves time, protects your investment, and gives you peace of mind.
Embrace the Challenge—and the Charm!
Renovating an older home is a rewarding experience that lets you blend historical charm with modern comfort. With a bit of planning, patience, and a team of trusted professionals, you’ll have a space that retains its character while meeting the demands of today’s lifestyle.
At Forever Kitchens, we’re here to help you with every detail of your renovation journey, from layout planning to selecting materials that honor your home’s original charm. Embrace the quirks of your older home—they’re what make it unique!
Forever Kitchens: Designing Kitchens, Crafting Memories.