Old houses offer a lot of charm and often surprising functionality. The steep roofs of Tudor style homes, for example, are an excellent solution to heavy snow or rainfall. Of course, the evolution of technology means that no approach to homebuilding is future-proof. There are a few upgrades you can make that help turn an old home into one that works for modern life.
New Insulation
Insulation, as we understand it now, is a fairly new thing. That fluffy pink insulation most people recognize is fiberglass. The process used to make fiberglass wasn’t discovered until 1932. So, many older homes have no insulation or insufficient insulation.
You can make adding insulation to an attic a DIY project or bring in a pro. Adding insulation to walls in an older home may not be possible. In homes where it is possible, it’s best to let a professional handle the job. It helps to preserve the historical features of the home.
Electrical Upgrades
It’s a truth that electrical systems have come a long way since the first electric grid in the US went online in 1882. Electrical codes have become increasingly demanding since then. These rules improve safety but mean older houses often need new outlets or entirely new wiring.
Of course, you don’t have to stop at electrical wiring. Since you must open up the walls anyway, you can also install Ethernet cabling throughout the house. This can reduce the load on your wireless network and improve Internet speeds throughout the house. With an older house, though, you may want to have an electrical service at least take a look to be sure you can work on it safely, or have them complete the job for you.
Plumping and HVAC
You can get plumbing and HVAC done separately, but many people opt to upgrade them at the same time. The heating and cooling system might be little more than an oil-burning radiator system in some older houses. A central heating and cooling system or zone HVAC can make your home much more comfortable.
Plumbing has changed almost as much as electrical systems. Your home could have copper, iron, or even lead pipes. Upgrading to PVC or PEX pipes will make your water system safer and more reliable. Plus, a new water heater is almost always a good investment when you buy an older home.
Old homes have charm, but they also have problems. You can solve many of those problems by upgrading the insulation, electrical, and plumbing/HVAC systems. You get a home that can support modern conveniences like energy intensive appliances and broadband Internet. At the same time, you can hang on to the charms of an older home.
