4 Things to Know About Older Home Restoration

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Any home restoration project is full of surprises. That said, fixing up an older home usually comes with a few more surprises than you might initially expect. If you just bought an older home or are deciding to update your existing home one project at a time, here are a few things to consider. From ensuring you have the proper tool storage to budgeting for unexpected appliance upgrades, these are the things to know about restoring an older home.

Be Prepared with a Budget

Restoring, renovating, or remodeling an older home will likely cost more than you think. Restoring it while updating it to keep it up to code and practical to live in could cost far more than you would initially expect. It’s important to set a realistic budget based on the work that needs to be done, and thorough inspections are key to developing this budget. Roofs can get expensive quickly, as can replacing wiring. Plan to go over your initial budget, just in case. Consider prioritizing certain rooms or projects to help you stay within budget, and identify what you can DIY and what should be hired out to a professional.

Structural Integrity Is Key

The first restorations should address the home’s structural integrity. Ensure the foundation is stable, the walls are fully repaired, and the roof is in good shape and not leaking. These should be your first priorities, and unfortunately, they are some of the more expensive parts of restoration. After this, though, comes more of the fun parts, helping to make the home more functional and practical, whether or not you want to retain the old-style aesthetic. 

You Might Need More Modern Replacements Than You Expect

Water heaters have a shelf life. Old ovens may not be nearly as efficient as modern ovens. An old refrigerator may have the aesthetic you want, but it may not be energy efficient and could be smaller than what you need. Appliances may need to be updated with modern offerings to make the home practical to live in. Meanwhile, you need to inspect the parts of your home you don’t actually see: your electrical and plumbing. Although they aren’t the most “fun” items to replace, new pipes and wiring are essential to keeping your home running smoothly.

Your Renovation Might Be a Mix of Old and New

Springing from the last point, your restoration might be a mix of old and new. It could be the difference between deck boards composite vs. all wood, or it could be forgoing the vintage aesthetic for modern appliances. This may or may not be what you were hoping for with a restoration, and sourcing older appliances to match the older aesthetic may prove challenging. Modern appliances can, with the right touch, look less out of place but still offer modern functionality. 

About Menards®

Home improvement projects never stop, and Menards® is ready to help you make that labor of love easier. From refinishing the back deck to fixing a leaky faucet, you’ll find the supplies you need and friendly service from your local Menards®. Knowledgeable store associates are ready to help you learn the differences between deck boards composite vs. wood, where to find a fireproof gun safe on sale, or how tankless water heaters compare to large electric water heaters. With project planning tools and countless other resources available online or in-person, Menards® can help make any home improvement project easier to check off of your to-do list.

Get the tools and resources you need to restore your home at https://www.menards.com/

Location: 5101 Menard Dr, Eau Claire, WI 54703, USA

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