There’s something about living in an older home that gives you character – not to mention that it’s unique, full of charm, solid craftsmanship, and stories in the walls. Yet behind that hardwood flooring and molding lies a home that’s generations old with systems that can be frustrating and even dangerous to live with.
Sometimes those systems are fine, but often they’re outdated, posing safety concerns and interjecting annoyances into your everyday life that shouldn’t exist in a modern home.
Modernizing an older home doesn’t mean gutting it of its character. Instead, essential systems should be made up to current standards and crucial upgrades made so that you can live more easily, protect your investment, and keep your family safe.
Electrical Overhauls: More than Meets the Eye
With an electrical panel designed long ago for families who had one television, one refrigerator, and maybe three lamps all at one time, it’s easy to see how the average home built before 1970 could use some electric modernizations.
There’s a need for every room to have multiple outlets and charging stations, not to mention the ability to run high-powered electronics at once. Unfortunately, the majority of homes built before 1970 were not made for the extensive energy needs we have now.
Those panels need to be replaced with a system more like today’s, where robust breakers allow for multiple circuits without tripping a fuse. An electrical panel still using fuses means that it hasn’t been updated in decades; this presents a fire hazard.
But it’s here where people go wrong when estimating electrical upgrades. There’s far more work than expected – more circuits needed, additional wiring, even GFCI outlets – and not every minor adjustment is code.
For example, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters are outlets necessary in bathrooms and kitchens, yet if a bathroom hasn’t had one installed since it was built decades ago, you can guarantee there are going to be more updates as code is not well known by the owners of this older property.
Add a reputable professional for electrical outlet installation and you’ll have everything running smoothly and up to code. Over-exertion at the electrical panel is critical; not having Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter breakers can cause fires, and getting an electrical upgrade earlier rather than later could save lives.
More than a third of house fires are caused by electrical faults, which is why getting an upgrade is so important.
Plumbing Improvements: For Your Daily Best
Modern kitchens are expected to provide good water pressure to all aspects of the space – from the kitchen sink to the lavatory – the older homes with galvanized steel piping aren’t treating their owners well with water discoloration and poorly performing toilets.
Replacing older homes’ supply lines with copper or PEX piping means better pressure and less water retention/possible leaks in the long run when matched with a decent fixture. It’s clear that major plumbing systems are integral; yet it’s where drywall openings need to be made that they become less attractive.
Homeowners with major renovations should consider making plumbing and electrical upgrades at the same time due to accessibility and materials saved (you don’t want to keep opening and closing your walls once drywall has been replaced).
Modern toilets can take advantage of low-flow options; efficiency was not considered in older plumbing systems so any toilet made in the 1970s is now outdated per Energy Star recommendations.
HVAC Enhancements: Comfort Where It’s Coolest
Central air may have been a luxury option years ago (or nonexistent depending on the time period of your home’s construction), which means that HVAC enhancements can leave people out in the cold – sometimes literally because of the time it takes to install proper ductwork/radiators after finalizing a design.
Many homes have older systems that don’t work well with layouts – they’re cold in the winter, hot in the summer – which means they probably built them years ago without any insulation (leading to further drafts). This means all ductwork has to be updated at the same time as radiators/his other heating components.
Another consideration is insulation: older homes surprisingly have LITTLE insulation compared to Energy Star standards; adding extra takes time but will pay off in the long run by creating constant comfort – an HVAC system can turn on less often without excess temperatures without proper insulation and new ducts/windows.
Weighing Pros Vs. Cons
Many homes have radiators or beautiful heating implements that allow residents to work with existing structures instead of rebuilding; the modern technology just allows for better Energy Expenditure and monitoring – some features are already there.
But modernization efforts from kitchen exhaust fans that improve air circulation in bathrooms to wiring systems that can’t accommodate modern refrigerators make it impossible to live in an outdated home as-is. These updates require collaborative effort with plumbing, electrical – and this includes kitchen components, too!
Older bathrooms rarely have ventilation due to outdated building codes; years of excess moisture can create mold and homeowners not paying attention to necessities in this room will find out quickly how non-ventilated was a bad decision years down the line when they try haphazardly throwing a fan up on their own after finish work was done.
Planning Your Renovation
The best way to modernize an older home is safely first; after your electrical panel gets a facelift all else should follow. New plumbing updates should occur simultaneously and gas lines should be added before cosmetic changes are made if ventilation should become mandatory down the line for aesthetics.
The sooner you can incorporate professionals who’ve worked on older homes successfully the better; it’s their ideas and expertise about what’s historically significant mixed with modern codes that’ll make – or break – your better living situation down the line.
Homes take time to overhaul as budgeting takes patience – but with the right updates that make a difference it’ll feel good knowing your newer facets all accent what makes your home special. It’s possible to blend charm with better living accommodations for years down the line.
