Unusual Utilities: 5 Tricks to Renovating an Older Home

Written by Posted On Thursday, 03 August 2017 08:53

More people are buying fixer-uppers, which is great for those who are trying to save some money. Still, buying a fixer-upper does come with a few issues, including possible problems that are now your responsibility. The following are five renovating tricks you can use to make your fixer-upper into your new home.

Get rid of That Dated Look

One problem most fixer uppers have is they look dated, but the truth is that this issue usually can be fixed with a little washing. Most homes, even old ones, have a classic look that just needs some sprucing up to look like new. Consider renting a pressure washer or hiring a service to clean the exterior walls, which should make a difference.

Patch up Holes

An old house is bound to have a few holes or cracks here and there. You do not want to leave these unattended. For one, they are an open door for critters, and you do not want to deal with an infestation. Second, holes and cracks can lead to water damage if rain water seeps into your walls through these holes. Look for any damage, and patch up all the holes around your home. 

Check out the Inner-Workings

You will be needing utilities, but old houses could make this a bit of an obstacle. There are times when old wiring or piping could make it hard to provide sufficient electricity throughout the house. You need to make sure that all of the utility-related systems in your home are working properly so that you can live comfortably at home. Employing the services of someone like HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric or a similar all around utility service would probably help with this project a lot.

Go Green

It is pretty easy to think that your old fixer-upper is a lost cause, especially if the landscaping in the house has not been taken care of. You should consider hiring a landscaper, or try to do a little gardening on your own. Plan out how you want the garden to look, and design something that feels good. This should definitely go a long way in making your house feels more like your home. 

Look for Water Damage

Water damage is a common issue with fixer uppers because the signs are usually overlooked. The problem normally occurs behind the walls, which makes it hard to spot. It is important to hire a specialist to help you figure out if this is something you have to worry about. Water damage could hurt the overall structure of your home, and it could develop into mold that could lead to allergy issues. 

These are just some of the issues that could come with fixer-uppers, but hopefully you can take care of them as quickly as you can. Of course, the hope is to find nothing wrong, but at least you are now better prepared.

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Kara Masterson

Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max. Kara is the youngest of four. She has two hilarious brothers and one beautiful sister. She also is the aunt of 4 crazy little girls that she loves more than anything!! Kara is not yet able to be a mom, but she loves being around kids and being like a second mom to her nieces. She dreams of the day that she can start her own little family.

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