Thousands of home accidents happen every year just because houses are too old and haven’t been updated in years. In fact, according to reports, about 25% of home-related accidents are directly linked to issues with the structure, faulty wiring, or outdated plumbing.
There are some warning signs that you should look out for, like cracks in walls, weak foundations, and old electrical systems. If your home hasn’t been remodeled in a long time, take this as a sign to look out for these problems before they turn into bigger, expensive, and dangerous disasters.
You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to make your old house look better and safe. You just need to look out for small issues and fix them on time, like applying fresh paint on your worn out walls, changing the lighting, or upgrading the old flooring.
Remodeling isn’t just about looks alone, it’s about making your home safe for living. This is why we are here with the 10 old home remodeling ideas that will help you avoid such dangerous scenarios and keep your home in good condition for years to come. So, without any delay, let’s begin with this post.
Why do older homes need to be remodeled?
Older homes have their own charm but if the house looks like falling apart, that means it’s not safe or fit for living anymore, it needs to be remodeled now. There are some obvious signs that your home needs a remodel, like weak floors, outdated wiring, and a problematic plumbing system.
These issues are not just annoying, they’re dangerous too. Every year, we come across thousands of cases of house fires and accidents that happen just because some people ignore these signs for too long. Problems that look small now can become a serious issue later, so to avoid that, it’s better to get them fixed now.
And, I understand, it’s not that simple, there’s lots of things that you need to consider like budget and all. But to give your old home a remodel, it doesn’t have to mean you have to spend a lot.
All it needs is a fresh new layer of paint, some better lighting, and fixing those creaky floors and leaks. Remodeling isn’t about spending a huge amount of money, it’s about spending it smartly and making your home safe, strong, and stylish.
10 Old home remodeling ideas
You don’t need to spend a huge amount of money to get your old home back in shape. Your old home just needs some smart upgrades like fixing the structure, updating old plumbing, or even just adding fresh paint. This way you won’t be spending a lot and your home will be safe for living and back to looking great again.
In this section, we’re going to cover 10 budget-friendly remodeling ideas that will make your home safer, stronger, and way more stylish than before. You won’t believe that your old home can become like this, with just a few upgrades. Let’s use these simple ideas to turn your aging house into a cozy, modern space.
Upgrade the structural integrity first
Every year around 20,000 building collapses happen in the U.S., which is quite concerning, and it’s mainly due to weak foundations. This is not only causing financial damage, it’s also putting many people’s lives at risk.
This is why upgrading the structural integrity is important, so when fixing up an older house, start with the bones that are its structure before anything else.
Some of the obvious signs that you should look out for are- cracks in walls, sagging floors, doors that won’t close. All of them may seem insignificant at first but they are the start of a serious problem.
Contact a structural inspector, they know how to identify the earlier signs of structure damage. If there’s a need for upgrading structural integrity, then reinforce weak beams, replace rotting wood connected to the structure, and if the foundation seems like it’s sinking, get it repaired by professionals as soon as possible.
A beautiful exterior won’t matter if the house isn’t standing strong from the inside. So upgrade the structure first, the rest can be done later.
Upgrade the electrical and plumbing system
Once the foundation is secured and strengthened, the next thing to check is the electrical and plumbing system of the house. If the electrical system is too old, there are high chances of spark fires, and old faucets can cause leaks, flooding, or even sewage backups. That’s why it’s important to upgrade these internal working systems of your house.
In the US, around 50,000 house fires happen all because people overlook this part. Looking aesthetic and visually appealing is great but ignoring the plumbing and wiring needs of your house, it’s not worth taking risk. So, replace those old knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring with modern, safer options. Upgrade the electrical system by changing wiring, so that it can handle today’s appliances electricity needs…
Check for rusty pipes, leaks, or low water pressure, these are clear signs that the plumbing needs to change. Another thing is the drains, water heaters, and shut-off valves. Don’t delay any further, get them fixed now to save yourself from lot’s hassle and expensive repairs.
Upgrade your kitchen and bathroom
A fancy living room won’t matter much if your sink is leaking or your stove is barely working. Also people judge by looking at how great your bathroom looks, and if it’s not in good condition then what’s the point of having a fancy looking house if the bathroom looks outdated.
See where you need upgrades, whether it’s the cabinets, countertops, or the flooring, since these take the most wear and tear.
If the budget is tight, refacing cabinets or using peel-and-stick tiles will work great, just make sure they are waterproof. While upgrading your bathroom, consider changing the shower, toilet, and vanity first, as these are the first things that people notice.
And let’s not forget good lighting is important too, bad lighting can make the space feel dim and cluttered.
Upgrade to energy efficient home
The U.S. Department of Energy reports that homeowners can cut energy bills by up to 30% just by making smart upgrades in their homes. Now, doesn’t that sound very good for our pockets?
You can upgrade the energy efficiency in your home by creating a proper insulation in it. As the homes get old, they also lose their insulation, you can seal gaps around doors and windows to keep heating and cooling costs down. This way, your heater and AC won’t have to work too much, to create a comfortable temperature in your home.
The next thing you have to do is, switch any old bulbs for LEDs, and if your appliances are too old, it’s time to retire them, because they are draining a lot of energy, causing those spikes in your bill. You can consider ENERGY STAR-rated appliances instead, they are better and work great than those old ones.
If your budget allows, you can go for solar panels and high-efficiency HVAC systems, their upfront cost is expensive but it can save thousands of dollars in the long run.
Upgrade the flooring
Floors are the most used part of our home, they go through a lot like walking, spills, pets running, scratching, furniture dragging, etc. If they look worn out, the whole house starts to feel outdated no matter how nice everything else looks.
So it’s time to give your flooring some attention that it really deserves, just like the foundation, kitchen, and bathroom.
Check what’s under the flooring first. If you have old hardwood, giving it a refinish can help in bringing it back to life.
But if the under flooring looks in a really bad condition, then it’s best to get fixed and have engineered wood flooring for a classic look. If you are looking for something affordable but tough, Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is a great choice, it’s water-resistant, stylish, and budget-friendly.
Add carpet to the floor to bring warmth and a touch of sophistication to it. But if there’s someone with allergies, then go with laminate or cork. Whatever you pick at the end, just sure it matches your lifestyle, not just your Pinterest board.
Fix the ceilings and cracks
Many homeowners notice small cracks in their ceilings and ignore it because it’s no big deal. But these cracks can sometimes mean serious problems.
As the time goes by, houses naturally start to settle, which can cause tiny cracks. These tiny cracks are alright but if you see big cracks, or notice that they are getting worse, it’s a clear sign of structural issues.
These cracks shouldn’t be ignored or else, things can go downhill very fast. When fixing up your home, it’s important to check for ceiling cracks and fix them as soon as possible.
If you find any large or growing cracks, contact a professional to assess those cracks and have them repaired properly. This helps keep your home safe and sound for living.
Add a new paint
A new coat of paint can really change the look of your house. It covers up years of wear and tear, brightens up the space, and makes everything feel brand new. If you notice peeling paint, faded walls, the exterior looks a bit dull, having it all repainted with the right color.
Before beginning with the paint, prepare your walls. If your walls have cracks or stains, then apply a decent amount of good primer. A little prep is the most important step to achieve that smooth, polished finish on your walls.
Picking the right paint depends on your home’s style or what color appeals to you most. If you love charming vintage homes, then soft pastels or warm neutrals are perfect to keep the classic feel. If you are into modern style then crisp whites and bold contrasts work great together.
And for the exterior of your house, choose a durable, weather-resistant paint so it stands tall against the test of time and weather.
Improve the entryway
People often forget about the entryway, but it’s the first thing guests and even potential buyers see when they visit your place. If your front door is all worn-out, the porch is all messed up, or there’s no proper lighting, this can make a house feel uninviting and unappealing to them.
But you can change that with a few simple changes.
First choose a color for your front door, whether it’s bold or something minimalist, choose one that fits right with your house and vision. If you are going for bold then deep blue or classic red is perfect to add character, while soft blue or coral pink is perfect for that simple, elegant look.
Now the lighting, change that outdated lighting with modern fixtures or floor lamps. If there’s space, add a bench or potted plants to make the porch look cozy and lived in. Last but not least, a good doormat, it’s a small detail that pulls everything together and keeps dirt outside where it belongs.
Update the roof
Every year, there are about 150,000 Americans who get some serious injuries all due to old or weak roofs. While fixing or replacing a roof can be expensive, it’s not really worth the injuries, so get it fixed as soon as possible.
A new, strong roof can keep your home safe and also save you from getting into a dangerous situation. When you are thinking of fixing your roof, call a professional, they will be able to guide you better. There are lots of things that you have to consider before beginning with the fixing process.
If repairs or a full replacement are needed, it’s best to work with a trusted local contractor. If you’re looking for a roofing company Theodore has many professionals who specialize in restoring older homes while maintaining their integrity.
Get new set of furnitures
Sometimes just by changing your furniture, you can change the whole look of your house. It’s time to replace the worn-out, mismatched furniture and change it with new ones. But hold up, before you toss everything out and start from scratch, there’s something you should get cleared first.
You have to make a decision first, on things that you need and no longer need. If a piece is still sturdy but looks outdated, just repainting it or reupholstering it will do the job. If you love DIY, then this is the perfect opportunity for you to repurpose that old furniture and make something new out of it.
If you are thinking about adding new furniture then make sure to consider its size, color, and function. If you have a small space, then go for multi-function pieces like storage ottomans, sofa that can turn into bed, or a bed with storage.
Getting new furniture can burden your wallet, so you can try thrift stores where you can find some of the best things at a reasonable price.
How much does it cost to remodel a very old house?
So, how much does it actually cost to fix up an old house? Well it depends on a few things, like how big the house is, how bad the damage is, and what kind of upgrades you want.
A basic remodel can cost you around $20,000, but if there’s a need to fix and work on roof, plumbing, or the foundation, it can easily climb past $100,000.
But if you are stuck within a budget then you can start with making small changes like paint, lighting, and of course, deep cleaning.
But don’t forget, be sure to prioritize those must-fix areas first, like the leaky pipes, worn out wiring, or cracked walls. They are way more urgent than fancy kitchen cabinets. Also no need to do it all together in one go, take your time and do it one by one.
This way you can save more for the next project and also give you some break to your spending. And to keep things within your budget, thrift stores and a little DIY can help you with that.
Conclusion
Fixing up an old house isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible either. In this post, we covered the many different things, from big to small stuff, such as fresh paint, better lighting, a stronger roof, updated furniture, and all the little things that make a home feel new again.
The real thing, you have to know where to start first, what needs your attention the most. Fix the important things like leaks, cracks, and anything falling apart. After that, you can start with small changes like painting, changing furniture, or decorating the space. Go for DIY methods where possible, change the handles, refresh the floors, or repurpose what you already own. This will hugely change the look of your old home.
At the end of the day, a remodel isn’t about making a house look expensive or getting high end stuff for the show. It’s about making it feel like home, making it comfortable, safe, and strong, so that your home can stand tall even after years.
