We can’t help what property we fall in love when the time comes to buy something. We just get that instinct and fuzzy feeling in our stomach that this is what will be called home in the future. It may be something modern and easy, or something older full of character. However, if you find yourself wanting an older property, then there will be some essential home improvements that you will need to do to make this house a home. I thought I would share with you five common ones to help you get started.
Think about your heating and cooling system
An older property may be filled with gorgeous features and full of character, but it might not necessarily be practical. One of the main things to think about it is replacing the original heating or cooling system. This may have been in the property for some years, and could be very inefficient when it comes to energy usage and, of course, the cost to heat every month. But, how to choose the right heating and cooling company for your home? Sometimes it is worth heading to the internet and seeking out reviews and opinions of local suppliers. But it is important to make sure you can heat and cool the home efficiently.
Before decorating, what condition are the walls in?
You may have grand ideas of painting the walls in beautiful shades of your favorite color and getting a local decorator in there. The problem is, the walls may not be in the best condition to receive the paint. Many older properties will have had their walls plastered with frilly wallpaper or worse still something like a wood chip, which was all the rage a few decades ago. It’s important to strip back the walls and check the original plaster. You may need to consider having the walls re-skimmed to ensure you get a smooth finish for your painting.
Do you plan to keep any original or exposed features?
Many character properties are bursting at the seams with original features, and often these are great to restore when it comes to interior decoration. You may want to consider exposing original fireplaces or showcasing beam work within the property. However, make wise decisions when it comes to this because not all features can be restored to their former glory.
Does the flooring need replacing?
Many character properties will have a full home of carpet, and often this will be something bright and awful or patterned, due to the fashions a few years back. So it’s important to consider what type of flooring you would want? Maybe consider a modern touch with wooden flooring, or stick with a neutral carpet.
Maybe the windows will need an upgrade
Finally, lots of older properties are not energy efficient in other ways, especially the windows. Double and even triple glazing now can save you huge amounts on your heating bills. It might be worth getting the windows replaced. However, if your property is listed, you may need to seek extra permissions from your local authority before making such big changes to the exterior appearance.
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