5 House Restoration Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make

So you bought a beautiful, old house? You must be itching to get started on the house restoration process.

Taking something that was built a long time ago and has lived many lifetimes, and restoring and updating it is a wonderful process. Especially when it comes to houses, as they also increase in value, becoming a long-term investment.

The problem is that many people start restoring an old house without knowing what they are doing. Instead of preserving the character of the home, they completely replace it.

There are a lot of mistakes that are made when restoring a derelict house. Here are 5 of the most common mistakes and how you can avoid them.  

1. Not Planning the Whole House

When it comes to old house restoration, it’s tempting to think and work one room at a time. You might focus only on one room until it’s complete then move onto the next room and start from scratch.

The problem with this is that you’ll have an inconsistent house. Each room you walk in will feel different from the last, almost like varying museum exhibits. It’s important to plan the entire project ahead of time, ensuring a consistent design throughout the home.

2. Not Cleaning Properly

When it comes to old farmhouse restoration or any type of house, it’s important to ensure a home is clean and healthy before working and living in the space.

The use of lead-based paints and asbestos in the home was common throughout the late 1800s and well into the 1900s. You’ll need professional remediation to tackle these issues. 

Old, abandoned, or reclaimed homes are likely to pose other serious health hazards as well. Many abandoned homes were used as drug labs or drug-using households.

This can seriously contaminate a house and should be taken care of by experts. If you suspect a house was used as a drug house, be sure to read more here on how to best proceed. 

3. Modernizing the Bathroom and Kitchen

When you plan on living in your restored home, it will be tempting to preserve character throughout the home, yet totally modernize the kitchen and bathroom.

Since these are heavily used areas of the home, it’s normal to want modern comforts and conveniences. Everyone enjoys advanced technology when it comes to appliances. But for a truly historic feel, you’ll need to balance modern comfort with consistent, historical restoration.

4. Restore, Don’t Replace

When something is outdated and no longer functional, the mindset of the 21st century is to replace it. Just buy another one.

But that’s not how things worked in the past. Do your best to restore the functionality of old windows, doors, and other aspects of your home before replacing them with boring, modern pieces.

5. Don’t Give Into Modern Trends

Whether you are renovating a house from 1960 or 1860, it’s always tempting to follow the trends of the day. The problem is that the current trends aren’t timeless. They will be outdated in 10 or 20 years.

Instead, look back into timeless design features and plan for a home that will never go out of style. 

House Restoration Done Right

House restoration is fun. Just make sure you don’t erase the character that took decades, if not centuries to establish.

If you do, you’ll regret it. By avoiding the 5 mistakes above, you’ll be in good shape to recreate a beautiful, timeless home. And if you are looking for further home inspiration, be sure to read more on our blog today.