4 Ways to Revamp an Old House
Eventually, an old home loses its charm and becomes less convenient. As your needs change or your family grows, it may no longer fit your lifestyle. You have to remodel or expand to meet your growing needs. Fortunately, you don’t have to move but can remodel or re-purpose the existing space. Here are some ideas:
Remodel or Add More Bathrooms
A critical problem in older homes is an inadequate number of bathrooms. They may also not be in strategic or convenient locations. To remedy this, remodel existing bathrooms and add new ones. If space permits, you can also go for en-suite bathrooms in bedrooms that don’t have them. Opt for a Cape Cod bathroom renovation expert who can work within your budget but still consider your needs and preferences.
For modern bathrooms, think of a bath and shower area with built-in shelves and more storage units. Also, opt for low-flow toilets and showerheads to reduce water consumption. A designer bath with customizable lighting and massage jets is ideal if you want something more luxurious.
Repurpose Unused Rooms or Spaces
An old house may have an unfinished basement, attic, or garage that’s just collecting dust. You can repurpose them into something useful like a playroom for the kids, office space, home gymnasium, or a theater. Clean up, paint the walls, and add furniture pieces.
Also, many old homes have leftover spaces like nooks and crannies for extra storage. Just install shelves suitable to their size, then use the space for books or recreational items such as board games. Alternatively, if you have the space, install a small bar for entertaining guests.
Open Up Spaces Using Knockdown Walls
Knocking down walls creates larger living spaces, making your home bright and airy. It’s also an excellent way to combine two small bedrooms into one large master bedroom. If you decide to remove a wall, check whether it's load-bearing.
If it’s non-load-bearing, you can easily remove it. If not, call a professional for help. You can also knock down walls to create sightlines between rooms, making your home's interior more open and connected. For instance, you can open the kitchen and dining area to create the perfect entertaining space.
Lighting Upgrades
An excellent way to add modern touches to an old house is by changing its lighting fixtures. Replacing dated wall sconces or ceiling lamps with updated versions, such as chandeliers, is an easy way to change the look and feel. Do the same to dark corners to make them more inviting.
Recessed lights, pendants, and floor lamps are also great options. Add skylights to the roof to fill those dark corners with sunshine if there's little natural light indoors. Additionally, install dimmers and timers to control the intensity of lights at different times.
Use LED lighting strips along the edges of walls and doorways to add a touch of glamor. It’s also an easy way to draw attention to architectural features. LED lighting strips come in various colors; easily customize the look according to your preference. The best part is that these lights are energy-efficient and long-lasting, making them an excellent investment for any home renovation project.
With careful planning and creative ideas, you’ll give your old house the modern look it deserves without breaking the bank. However, first inspect its structural integrity, the extent of repairs, and the cost of materials before you start any project. The process will be smoother and more successful with a plan in place.
