5 Design Challenges Of Remodeling Old Homes And How To Overcome Them
Renovating sure allows us to polish up all those details that are not satisfactory for the client or the contractor too.
The whole process often is a real challenge to both designers and constructors. Especially when it comes to an older house that already has certain design or construction issues.
In such a case, you know that the challenge is here, and it's become a real thing that you need to solve.
But, how to remodel an old house without repercussions? Is it possible to remodel a home that has seen some better days? And last but not least - is it worth the effort?
Feel free to sharpen your pencils and take notes for our 'renovating step by step' list.
Start With Making Things Clear
Renovation problems are real. It's not an easy and stress-free process, but if you pay attention to the most important and common issues, houses for renovation can be an enjoyable work task that will end up safe and sound.
For starters, make sure that checklists become your new best friends.
Yes, even small, mediocre checklists that seem unnecessary and contain colors, room dimensions, and square footage count. Every little thing that pops into your mind at some point is relevant for the outcome.
If you still think that a checklist for renovating a house would be useless, please remember that even the weakest ink is stronger than the strongest memory.
Firm Foundation
Cracks and settling foundations are maybe the most common headache that a renovation could give. Sometimes, they can be easily noticed by detecting deep cracks in the walls.
What does this mean?
A firm and healthy foundation is a must for a balanced and lasting house.
If there are some significant problems with the foundation, then next in line come the structural engineers.
Their job will be to observe the house, value the damage, and suggest a smart solution. Depending on the case, the damage could be fixed in a couple of ways:
• steel braces for securing the foundation
• hydraulic jacks to lift the foundation to its original elevation
• helical screw piles, or concrete piers to underpin the foundation
• sealing and waterproofing
The worst-case scenario and most expensive instance would be the necessity of building an entirely new foundation. A structural engineer would know best, so be sure to choose one that you trust.
Water And Moisture Issues
Moisture and water issues can be a silent killer. And a top-rated reason for a home remodel.
Whether there's a naive leak from the roof, lack of ventilation, or wall insulation, moisture always leads to mold. Not only that this situation will cause damage to the materials, but it also can be a serious health threat. So, you could easily conclude that it's better to prevent it before it happens.
How to prevent moisture issues?
First of all, if there's a leak, try to trace it and find the source. Is it the plumbing? Poorly built walls or floors? Would it be easy to fix?
These questions often hide the answer to all construction problems in between the lines. And since every moisture problem is individual, try consulting with your specialists before taking any serious steps.
Check And Double-Check Plumbing
Pipes can be a tricky thing to mess with.
And choosing the right materials can save you from dealing with leaks, mold, and tiles fallen out of place.
Galvanized pipes that were actively used before the 1960s are now a closed chapter. Nowadays, plumbing focuses mainly on choosing to work with PVC, copper pipes, CPVC, or even PEX instead.
Which one you would choose usually depends on the needs, and your practice in general.
Choose Your Doors & Windows Wisely
It's a common phrase that windows are the eyes of the house. And choosing presentable frames for the doors and windows can be a total eye-candy.
But, not everything is about design, good looks, and the final outcome. There's always something more, so try concentrating on crucial construction questions that will define your goals.
Keep an eye on the latest innovations in doors and windows. It would save you a lot of time (and money) in the long run, believe it.
When it comes to remodeling old homes, flexibility is key. Keep your team close, and keep up with the updates.
Staying in touch could save lives, and prevent many serious construction site problems that would need quick reactions as well.