If you feel you’ve settled for your home, or perhaps you love the older property but want to give it a face-lift, here are some ALLIN Home Inspector’s leading home-improvement projects for older homes.
Do you own an older home, and are you looking to make upgrades that matter? Strategic enhancements not only increase a property’s resale value but also its functionality.
This is particularly important among young homebuyers. Sixty-eight percent of millennial homebuyers reported buyer’s remorse, according to a Bank of the West survey. Today’s high home prices in cities across the country mean that many millennials are buying older homes rather than newly built ones. Shortly after the purchase, these homebuyers feel disappointed with the dated features of their homes, unsure what and where to renovate.
Technology additions:
Smart-home features are frequently requested in new construction. Fortunately, your older home can become a smart home too when you implement technology, such as home automation. Thanks to WiFi, there’s no need for clumsy and costly rewiring. Smart thermostats, smart music and programmable lighting are prime examples.
Tankless water heaters:
Tankless water heaters are ideal for older homes because they are easy to install, take up much less space and can reduce energy costs by as much as 60 percent. Because they heat water on demand, you never have to worry about running out of hot water. What’s more, longer warranties than what can be found with traditional storage-tank water heaters are now available. Check out the new 25-year warranty from Noritz on select tankless water heaters.
Wall removal:
Removing a wall between the kitchen and living room can enhance the functionality of the area and provide a modern open concept design. Cutouts in walls are another option if the wall cannot be completely removed. Remember to ensure any wall is not load-bearing before removal, so you don’t impact the structural integrity of the home.
Popcorn ceilings:
Once upon a time, popcorn ceilings were the top trend installed in every house. Today, they distract the eye and make a home look old. Consider hiring someone to redo your ceilings or research how to scrape it yourself. Leave flat or add a knock-down texture, which is a popular modern drywall finishing technique.
New paint/wallpaper:
That ’70s pea-green paint in the bathroom and the ’80s floral wallpaper in the bedroom instantly date your home. By updating the walls, your house will feel more modern and you can customize to your personal tastes. Dedicate a weekend to painting the walls in your favorite spaces and you’ll be amazed at the transformation.
“The inspection was very thorough and complete. Mike took time to walk us through the report and answer our questions. His report and our discussion helped us decide how to proceed in the home purchase process. We were very happy with Mike and ALLIN Home Inspections.” – Review of ALLIN Home Inspections, Inc. By Glen Schumock
Painting old grout:
After years and sometimes decades, grout in bathrooms and kitchen spaces really takes a beating and turns a dirty color that’s impossible to clean. It can be time-consuming and tedious to replace grout, so to get a fresh look, consider painting it instead. Specialty grout paint makes the process simple with easy application features that simply roll on.
Update hardware:
Hardware throughout a home gets dingy and dated. To update a space without an overhaul, simply change out the hardware. Cabinet knobs, drawer handles, towel racks and more in a modern metallic hue can make space feel fresh again without much investment. Don’t forget about air registers, which can also impact the visual appeal of a space.
Energy-efficient insulation:
There are many modern insulation options available today that weren’t around when older homes were built, and many of those homes have little to no insulation at all. In addition to insulation, remember to seal spaces for air loss, such as air ducts, doors, windows, pipe inlets, and the attic.
Embrace the history:
Be sure to research the history of the home and neighborhood. Would pulling out that original wood built-in be a detriment to the home’s authenticity and value? Perhaps you can hire someone to update the original wood flooring, so it has the modern stain tone you like, but the planks still maintain the home’s original luster.
Light fixtures:
Light-fixture styles change through the years and can make your home appear older than necessary. Replacements can make a world of difference. For example, replace an old brass chandelier with a modern pendant design. Not only will it be a style update, but the light output can make the space more usable. (BPT)
If you or someone you know is purchasing a home and needs a quality home inspector in Sterling, IL, be sure to give ALLIN Home Inspections, Inc. a call (877) 545-6639 Today or Click To Schedule Online 24/7 Right From Our Website.
Related video you might like:
The 25th largest land area of all US, Illinois continues to grow in the real estate market despite economic downturns. While home buyers are in a good position to make purchases, let this experience be a significant one with ALLIN Home Inspections, Inc., your expert Home Inspection Sterling IL company.
Don’t trust just any Illinois home inspector with your current or future home. Get an inspector who takes the time to give you the proper evaluation and thorough education on your home. ALLIN Home Inspections, Inc. has some of the best home inspectors who are certified and licensed by the State of Illinois. Our years of experience have built a reputation Illinois home buyers have held high regard in.
We take great pride in the level of commitment we put in every inspection we perform. Our Sterling home inspectors are highly experienced, extremely thorough, and detailed in providing a report with the information you need to make your buying decision with confidence.
Call (877) 545-6639 Today or Click To Schedule Online 24/7 Right From Our Website
