10 things nobody tells you about buying an older home

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[lu:p] Architektur, [lu:p] Architektur GmbH [lu:p] Architektur GmbH Maisons modernes
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Older homes have amazing character traits and historical features that most new homes lack. The high ceilings, the rustic wooden trims, the expansive courtyard, the quirky gables, and sometimes even a fireplace, can simply seem irresistible when you are in the last leg of the sale, pushing yourself harder to close the deal and enter a dream come true world.

Stop right there and take a step back. The house that appears beautiful and quaint from the outside may be hiding dark secrets, which may often tumble out like the proverbial closet skeleton. From outdated plumbing and wiring to crumbling insides, you may end up buying a money guzzler if you are not careful. If the deal is too good to be true – it just might be. Here are some home buying tips to follow when you are keen on buying an older home. These will help you stay on your guard about the possible difficulties, and let you enjoy the charms of an abode from a bygone era, at the same time!

Older homes have character that is hard to buy

An old property is not just a building made of old fashioned building materials. It sports designs, accents and subtle aesthetic touches which may be hard to replicate in today's world. 

It brings with it the charm of the times it has witnessed, which in turn lends it a well-defined character. And this character is something that you can't purchase, you simply have to admire it and welcome it with open arms!

An older home comes with older technology and building materials

Older homes were built to last, so the old technology that was used for constructing it may not be such a bad thing. But it may not exactly promise the modern amenities or facilities we are used to living with. 

Older technology may mean older ways of plumbing, wiring, insulating, heating and roofing. Redoing this as per the latest technology available can imply a significant additional cost. So it’s better if you pay for the contractor, engineer and plumber to examine the house before buying, rather than paying through the nose later. That way, you can retain your gorgeous period property and still have all of your home comforts, just like the house above.

An older home may require remodelling

St Johns Avenue, Flower Michelin Flower Michelin Maisons industrielles

When you are buying an older home, you’ll be inheriting some of its personality, to which you’ll have to mix your own. But will it fit your family’s growing needs? Though the house may have six bedrooms, it may be too big (therefore adding a lot of negative space) or too small to fit wardrobes and other storage options. 

Older bathrooms may not be particularly functional, and might need to be redone to fit good shower panels for a more contemporary finish. The kitchen may need to be redone to accommodate modular fittings.  Think of all the extra help you’ll need with interior designing, too. Take note of Flower Michelin's stunning expert renovations for inspiration.

How much will your home owner’s insurance be?

Getting home insurance is a common practice when buying a home, but this has become even more important when buying ancient houses. Unfortunately, it also becomes more expensive for ancient homes. 

There are added risks in an older home like fire hazards from old wiring, crumbling old wooden stairs, structural problems, and not to mention the roof caving in. You’ll need to check your insurance costs when you call the home inspectors for the first level check, like the owners of this beautiful house did, so that you know how affordable or unaffordable it will be in the future.

The top two updates of a historic home

Wiring and roof are the top two updates that you just can’t avoid – just ask the owner of this beautifully restored and well-maintained house! Any roof that is older than a couple of decades has a risk of crumbling and leakage. It will lose its insulation too, which can foot up a good few thousands in repairing bills. 

The next and important update needs to come for the wiring. If your historic home comes with historic wiring, then you’ll need to invest in changing them as they can be a life hazard. Besides, insurers won’t be ready to bear the brunt of either.

Mix the old with the new

Glass rooms, BACA Architects BACA Architects Maisons modernes

One of the catches of buying an ancient home is believing that you must stick with the the existing décor code. For instance you might think, will this sleek wardrobe will go with the rest of the old chandelier and the high ceiling bedroom? How will the beautiful surround system work around the rustic fireplace? 

One of the key things to remember when buying an ancient home is that you shouldn’t be afraid to ruffle some feathers. Mix the old and new to channel your own personality and style into the design. For example, in the rustic style house above, glass rooms were added for a more modern appeal.

You can remodel an older home to make it modern

homify Maisons rurales

Have you stepped into one of those well advertised jungle resorts that look like a cabin from the outside, but are fully air-conditioned with modernamenities on the inside? 

You will love an antique home look from the outside,but you can make it comfortable and hi-tech on the inside. Who wouldn’t love amodern courtyard, a modular kitchen and a hot tub in the bathroom?! You can alsoadd modern touches here and there, on the exterior facade like the prettycottage-like residence shown above. It was rendered by Building Design Architectuur, architects from Zenderen.

Contact your local historical society if you plan to remodel an older home

The Long Barn, Tye Architects Tye Architects Maisons rurales

Some homes can have more history than you have bargained for. These really ancient abodes may share stories and architecture from an era that the local historical society may want to preserve. 

Such societies may pose a lot of restrictions if you are planning on remodelling your home. It’ll be best if you check with them before you make a down payment for the remodelling process.

Will your appliances fit in the older home?

In old times, homes did not have double door refrigerators, air conditioners in everyroom, or a home theatre in the bedroom. Naturally their switch boards or wiringweren’t made to support modern day appliances. Some of the doorways may benarrower than you think, making it difficult for you to get that luxurious couch inside. 

Your bathroom’s plumbing might also need to be redone fromscratch, to accommodate the force of the water jet required for a hot tub. Getyour contractor to take measurements for your major appliances beforehand, sothat if you have to take up repairs, you’ll know the added cost.

Embrace the difficulties of owning an older home

Always remember the main reason you bought this home – it has a historic charm you fell in love with. Embrace the stories, the quirks, the architecture, but remember that you’ll also have to embrace the pain points. You can’t fully modernize it, and probably you shouldn’t either. 

If you end up buying an old house, you might have to deal with a full checklist or a to-do list, before you start living there. But you will finally have your dream home with its magic intact. This is one home buying experience with a difference. 

For more inspiration, check out another ideabook - How to plan your home architecturally: A smart way to save money.

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