Your older home was not only built to last, but it also presents quality craftsmanship, with custom details that are hard to replicate in modern homes. So, when you go to update your home, it can be tricky to keep its vintage originality and add a modern twist. Here are some tips to consider when renovating an older home.
Create an Open Floor Plan
The trend today is to open up living, dining, and kitchen areas so that there’s one large great room for living and entertaining. In an old home, removing a wall between a dining and living room creates a more contemporary living space. Another option is to design a counter bar between the kitchen and the dining room for both a functional and open space.
Replace or Refinish Old Flooring
In many older homes, there are hardwood floors under the current carpeting or laminate flooring. By removing the flooring and refinishing the hardwood floors underneath, you keep the historic charm, and create a beautiful, updated look to your home. Although old flooring may not appear brand new, it is significantly less expensive to refinish rather than replace with new hardwood. And by properly caring for the hardwood floors, they can last 20 to 30 years.
Update Kitchen Counters and Cabinets
Instead of remodeling your entire kitchen, updating the counters with a new material can achieve a fresh design. Granite, butcher block, stainless steel, or even concrete are all options to give your old kitchen new life. Sometimes it’s better to keep the original cabinetry that fits with the time period of the home. Modernizing the overall space with newer appliances, hardware, and refinishing the cabinets are a good alternative to total kitchen renovation.
Install New Windows
It may be worthwhile to replace your old windows with new, insulated windows to keep your home more comfortable in the hotter and colder months of the year. If you have windows that are part of the historic, aesthetic of the home, that you simply cannot replace, consider adding technology to the windows. Storm windows, weather-stripping, or a glass coating help maintain comfort while staying true to the original home’s design.
Upgrade Electric
The wiring in older homes can be a challenge. Many older homes still have old wiring such as knob and tube or cloth wiring. For a safer solution, look at upgrading the electric with a more modern solution. Hire an electrician to give you recommendations for an electrical system upgrade that will meet your needs and budget.
Enhance Curb Appeal
When you’re looking to enhance the exterior features of an old home, ensure that you match the style of the original home and the surrounding neighborhood. The good news is that there are a number of materials to achieve a similar look. Consider treated wood and other weather resistant materials that will last a long time. A new coat of paint with an attractive color that matches the time period of your home will also add a modern flair to the exterior. And don’t forget to pay attention to the landscaping. Adding flower boxes, and layers of plants to your yard will create a beautiful and lasting first impression.
Creativity makes all the difference in remodeling your home! Becraft Plus has vast experience in working with historical homes.
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About Becraft Plus
Since 1989, Becraft Plus has provided customized design and construction services to customers in the Washington, D.C. area. We specialize in custom home building, additions and remodeling, and whole house renovations with a focus on creating living spaces that are tailored to the needs of our clients.
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