Owning an older North Shore home has a lot of benefits. The old-style charm, solid foundations and location are very desirable qualities. If you own one of the older homes in North Shore, there are some things you can do to update your home before selling it without losing that old-style charm.
Older household systems tend to need a little more T.L.C. and may need to be updated to modern times for better efficiency and safety. These renovations will not only make it a little easier to live in your older home on a daily basis but also add to its value if you ever decide to move. Here are just a few of them.
Modernize the Plumbing
One of the problems homeowners find in older homes is the plumbing. Many older plumbing system's pipes are undersized causing low water pressure and corrosion buildup. This can cause backups, water leaks and sometimes flooding.
It's important to know the material of your pipes as well. Lead pipes were routinely used in home plumbing in the years prior to World War II and many homes built since then have galvanized steel piping.
Newer materials such as copper or PVC should replace the old pipes. A reputable plumber can give you the best alternatives for your North Shore home; some pipes may have already been updated before you owned the home. Unfortunately, replacing a whole plumbing system can be messy and disruptive to the household, but it is well worth it in the long run.
The results should be better water flow throughout the house, savings on your water bill and the lessening of the risk that your home could be damaged by unexpected flooding.
Replace Older Heating Systems
Many older homes have heating systems that are very outdated and unfortunately very energy inefficient. Replacing your oil heating system with a new one will pay for itself in just a few years in many cases in the form of reduced energy costs.
It is also a great selling point to potential buyers giving them the peace of mind that they will not have to contend with an old system. The energy efficiency is a plus as well.
If you have old cast iron radiators and love the look, you do not have to lose them when you upgrade your heating system. Ask a good HVAC professional about one of the several ways that it is possible to utilize these old beauties with a new, modern heating system. Don't get rid of an old cast iron radiator, it belongs with the history of the home and potential buyers will appreciate the history being kept with the home.
Update Your Wiring
This update is the most important as an outdated electrical wiring system can be outright dangerous. Many older homes electrical systems are ungrounded and often the wires themselves have deteriorated significantly. If your wiring system has not been replaced in the last 25 years, have a professional look at it to recommend any updating.
Most remodeling experts recommend that, when you are renovating an older home, the electrical wiring all over the house be replaced with a modern, grounded electrical system. This includes replacing the old fuse box with a modern breaker panel and adding ground fault interrupter (GFI) outlets in kitchens, bathrooms and any outdoor outlets.
Old Window Charm
The windows are a huge part of what makes many older homes look beautiful. It's understandable that you do not want to rip these out and replace them. Fortunately there are window replacement specialists all over the country whose forte is to preserve old windows and their appearance while adding new glass and other touches that will bring them up to modern-day efficiency standards.
Chances are your home has had updating since the time it was built. The key is knowing how long ago the updates were done. You may only need partial updating on some of these renovations.
Whether you are just looking to update for the energy efficiency savings to your wallet and the safety of your own family or looking to have your home sold by The Marla Schneider Team, these renovations will increase the value of the home significantly.
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