Remodeling a historic home can require a substantial investment of both time and money but can also create added value if done correctly. If you’re thinking about embarking on a home renovation project, it is important to choose projects wisely to ensure the best bang for your buck.
It comes as no surprise that upgrading the kitchen is one of the best ways to increase value and attract more buyers when selling an older home, but a kitchen upgrade doesn’t necessarily mean you must spend thousands of dollars demolishing and rebuilding. Take kitchen cabinets, for example. Instead of laying down some serious cash on new ones, why not just reface the ones you have? You’d be surprised at the impact some fresh doors and a little veneer could have on your aging cabinets as well as the overall appearance of your kitchen. Some manufacturers even
carry peel-and-stick veneer to make the task simpler. As for cabinet interiors, wood veneer should be your go-to since it is much more durable than laminate, particleboard or melamine.
Although open floor plans seem to be all the rage, if space permits consider using an old table, desk or cabinet as a kitchen island. This not only adds extra storage and seating to your kitchen, but an extra dose of style as well. The most important thing to keep in mind when upgrading an old kitchen is not to overdo the details. The kitchen style should be compatible with the rest of the home, and accents such as plaster moldings on the front of cabinets or pediments over stoves can take the upgrade overboard.
Another key focus area in old homes is the bathroom. Understanding standard bathroom dimensions, like how much space is required for a toilet or the size of a vanity or bathtub, is the best starting point. Whether you’re remodeling an aged bathroom or adding an additional one, this renovation is well worth the time and money spent. Of course, the point of this is to create a new, fresh look but, as with any remodel, certain things are easier to replace than others and it is important to recognize which features are more cost effective to keep. For example, it may be tempting to start by removing the not-so-modern looking wall tiles in an older bathroom, but these tiles are typically sealed with multiple coats of concrete which poses increased difficulty in the removal process. Rather than spending a fortune on this single renovation, consider keeping the vintage tile and spend the time and money on other accommodating features to create a timeless, charming look. You can even paint the tile and use it as an accent piece to help your bathroom really stand out.
Finally, what better way to add value to an old home than increasing finished square footage?Reinventing existing space in an old home, such as the basement or attic, not only saves money but adds additional, versatile rooms that have greater appeal to potential buyers.
Of course, the first step is to determine the value of your home. From there, you can decide how much you would like to increase it and plan your renovations accordingly.
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