A home improvement or renovation will likely run anywhere from $100,000 to $200,000. This happens particularly when the house is pulled down and renovated to desired standards. For an old home, it is always advisable to be prepared for major improvements. This is due to the increased possibility of discovering deteriorated materials that need urgent replacement or repair. Below is a discussion on common improvement projects to prepare for when moving into an old home, none of which are DIY projects unless you’re an expert.
1. New plumbing may be required
Plumbing issues are a major problem found in old homes. Overlooking an old plumbing system may cost you more than you ever imagined. Moreover, if you are renovating and the walls and floors are exposed, it will be a good time to install new plumbing. Indeed, replacing an entire plumbing system may cost a fortune. However, what you pay initially will be nothing compared to the expenses you will rack up if you don’t.
Sometimes, you will be lucky and not require an entire plumbing system. Instead, all that may be required is reinforcement which may come at a lower cost. Furthermore, you will avoid the risk of water damage when you attend to these plumbing issues in an old house. It is worth noting that many US homes deal with at least one plumbing issue annually. Statistics also indicate that 10% will likely deal with a major plumbing issue yearly. Based on this information, you can predict that your old home may not be spared from its share of plumbing problems.
2. Replacing a roof
The roof of a building is one material likely to last several decades after installation. In the United States, the baseline is fifty years, although it can last further than that. Therefore, the likelihood of a compromised roofing system is greatly increased if you have an old property. Moreover, the average age of a US home is 46 years, making it highly likely that your roof will need significant attention.
Contacting experienced roofing installation services may become crucial during old home improvements. These skilled roofing handlers will determine whether you need a total replacement or reinforcement of your home’s roof. Like the plumbing system, it may cost more upfront, but the long-term benefits will outweigh the sum you parted with.
3. Electrical rewiring
Every year, there are about 51,000 electrical fires in US houses. Furthermore, 96% of all these homes are reported to have experienced minor to major damage from these fires. If these statistics are anything to go by, you can be sure that your old home may have had its fair share. The downside of this is the impact it may have had on the wiring system in the home.
In some cases, you will be lucky to detect these problems when the lighting in the home flickers persistently. However, if they don’t, you never know what could happen within your walls where these wirings are laid. Electrical wiring in these homes could be too weak to withstand potential surges. Additionally, they may be unable to cope with the high demands of modern electrical appliances. But before embarking on rewiring, it is recommended to have the home inspected first.
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