You are pretty handy around the house, and you have decided that your older, character home is in need of renovations. Before jumping off into the deep end, give some consideration to the size of the task that you are setting for yourself. At Top Home Builders, we take old house renovations very seriously, and we want you to be fully aware of the planning, timelines, pitfalls, and mistakes that can occur with DIY remodels.

Assessment / Planning For Your Old House Remodel

The old saying is measure twice and cut once. This especially applies to old house remodels. Many failed renovations started before proper planning occurred, and that leads to increased costs due to having competent renovators in to fix the updates.

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Do Your Research – determine what building codes, regulations, and permits you need to follow or have to work on your home’s structure, plumbing, or electrical. Beyond potential safety issues, not following the codes or not having the requisite permits can lead to legal complications or fines. 

Bring in the Experts – have a qualified home inspector come in to do a detailed assessment of your home. They will look for structural problems, the condition of the utilities (electrical, plumbing, etc), and, especially in older, pre-1930 old home renovations, the existence of hazardous materials.  

Budget – set a budget for each phase of the renovation and make sure that it is realistic. Keep a portion of the budget aside (10-20%) for surprises that come from left field, and check that prioritized repairs are done first. 

Setting Timelines 

Once you have determined the budget for your old house renovations, it is time to break down the remodel with a timeline with lengths of time for different phases of the remodel. Keep in mind that delays can happen at any time due to weather, unforeseen problems, etc., so being adaptable is a virtue.

Define the extent of the renovation from cosmetic to structural. Write down what rooms are to be completed and what features of design you want to have. Think about how this renovation of your old house will impact your daily lives. 

Break the project into the major components (demolition and prep work, rough install, building and install, painting and trim work, and final inspection). Create a timeline to include each phase with a researched typical timeline, but don’t forget to factor in those possible delays.

Keep reality in mind, start with the date you would like to be completed, and work backward. Nowadays, there are numerous project management apps, each with pros and cons, that can help you with scheduling your own work and/or integrating with contractors.

Monitor the process of your remodel and document all progress and, especially, expenses to stay on track. Communication is very important, particularly if you are working with others, and remember that your schedule is not written in stone. It can be modified when the unexpected happens.

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Pitfalls in the Renovation of Your Old House

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You have had a number of old home renovation ideas, and you have decided to take the plunge. You have planned and prepared, and you have spent a lot of time creating a feasible timeline. But every plan can go off the rails without warning. Here are some pitfalls that you should watch for. 

If your home is nearing its 100th birthday, it may contain toxic materials such as asbestos or lead based paint. These require, at minimum, personal protective equipment, but are best removed by a professional. Finding these materials would change the scope of your remodel.

Older homes may have inadequate or antiquated plumbing or electrical systems that would need to be brought up to code. Current electrical systems are at a higher amperage than in the past. Remodels of a bathroom may lead to rerouting water or sewage lines or installing increased ventilation.

Older homes may have trouble lurking just behind a baseboard or the lath and plaster. Cracks in the foundation, wood rot in the studs of a load bearing wall, or other hidden damage could cause radical adjustments to the overall timeline and your bottom line. 

While adherence to current building codes does not strictly apply to older character homes, making your old home remodel ideas a reality could provoke required changes to bring your entire structure up to minimum standards. The delay and potential cost could be disheartening.

Common Mistakes of Old House Renovations

Even with the best thought out old house remodel ideas, home renovators can still fall victim to common mistakes. Failing to adequately plan is one of the most common, but there are others that the home renovator should keep in mind to minimize delays and expenses. 

  • Inadequate Planning – only fools rush in where renovators fear to tread. Having a detailed process of your old home renovation ideas and what is to be done can save a lot of time, energy and money. Remember, this is where you live, so remodelling everything all at once is impractical.
  • Being Trendy or Too Modern – going for the trend of the moment rather than more standard designs (remember the sunken living room?) can quickly leave your renovations looking dated. Modernizing part of your older home can make it appear disorganized and muddled. Keep your remodel in character with your character home. 
  • Inadequate Cost Planning – There is no telling what might be found when the walls come down as the remodel progresses. You will need to expect the unexpected, and budget at least 10-20% of your budget for unanticipated structural weaknesses, bug infestations, or even removing asbestos.

Next Steps to Renovate Your Old Home

There is more to the renovation of an old house than meets the eye. Careful assessment and planning and making a timeline before even beginning is essential. Then the unforeseen can appear without warning hampering your progress. Before going down the DIY road, contact Top Home Builders for a free consultation in the Bay Area. We expect the unexpected to make your remodel worry-free.

Related Article: How much does it cost to remodel a house in Bay Area.