Old homes are full of character and rich history. These grand old homes are just as much a part of history in their communities. There are many benefits to moving into a home, but there are also unique challenges.
Be prepared to do some work
Old homer homes come with a few challenges. This is the trade-off for living in a house with character. You should be ready to do a bit of painting here and there. Some walls will need some plastering as well as a fresh coat of paint. Once all this is over, your home will have a new lease on life.
Inspect the Garage Door
Your home garage will be old, and won’t have remotes or a keypad, so you will need to replace the garage door opener. This will make you feel much better, knowing how much safer it will be. I also take the opportunity to paint the garage while it is still empty. Be sure to paint the garage walls and floor!
Install Smoke Alarms
The chances of having modern smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in older homes are rare. Take this opportunity to have these fitted in your home before you move in. These are very important in older homes due to the likelihood of electrical faults.
Get rid of old carpets
Old carpets are home to dust mites and the source of most smells. For these reasons alone, you have to get rid of them as soon as possible. If you are lucky, there might be a lovely hardwood floor that you can restore. This adds more character to the grand old home.
Get rid of the garbage
Old homes come with so much baggage. This will be in the form of garbage and other items. Get a skip and get rid of all the trash as it is likely to attract rats and other vermin-like cockroaches.
Modernize where possible
Living in an old home doesn’t mean you cannot have modern comforts. Check the heating throughout the house and replace it if necessary. Installing water cooled heat pump is a good idea that will reap dividends for years to come. While you are at it, check the plumbing and electrical system and upgrade if necessary.
It’s Possible That Our Furniture Will Not Fit
A king-sized bed or an extra-deep sofa may not fit through the door of a historic property. For the unprepared, tight places such as doorways, passageways, and unique corner rooms can spell tragedy. Measure your destination’s doorways and halls, as well as the measurements of your furniture, ahead of time.
If your furniture doesn’t fit, a professional moving company can help you find a solution. One alternative is to disassemble the piece of furniture to fit through the narrow area without being damaged. The crew can then put the item back together in its new position. And learn more about moving here.
Large goods can also be hoisted or craned through a window. The team can either pad and protect the furniture and the window frame or lift the piece using rope and a ladder. If the window is three floors or higher, the movers can use a crane to lift it.
Prepare for a low-energy environment
When you move into a historic home, you have to give up modern energy efficiency–at least for a while. Architects in the 1800s did not consider energy expenses while designing houses. As a result, energy-efficient appliances and fixtures are viable solutions for cutting down on inevitable energy waste. Before you move in, figure out what kind of wiring and plumbing you’ll be working with. This way, you can decide whether an upgrade is necessary.
Protecting Antiques
During your move, it’s critical to protect your original furniture and fixtures. Large, delicate objects, such as pianos, grandfather clocks, and glass tables, require packing or protective cushioning and coverings. Some may require custom boxes or special handling.
Defending Your Residence
A historic home’s characteristics are works of art. You must protect doors, original door frames, floors, windows, and stained glass from damage during a move. Intricate wood carving on walls, for example, can be nicked by other pieces of furniture passing by. Take the effort to protect yourself from these types of harm as well.
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It would help if you learned about your home. And learn more about the history. This way, your renovations will be inspired. If you understand your home, you will not stray away from the original history. Don’t put off doing your homework if you want to comprehend the responsibilities of owning a historic home fully.
