The age of an existing home is a vital factor not just for the maintenance and upkeep, but also because of the materials used, the quality of insulation and systems like air conditioning.
1. Pros and Cons of Buying an Older Home
In simple words, older homes are different to newer homes in various regards.
The pros of older homes begin with the fact that they are more affordable and there are many more to choose from. Price can also be negotiable. If it withstood the test of time, you know you’re getting a high-quality home as the inspection will reveal any potential issues. Older homes have more charm and character.
On the other hand, time and use have done their part and these homes need more maintenance as you’re not the first person to enter it. The dated design and older amenities and appliances aren’t as energy efficient as their modern versions which also means they are costlier to operate. You may need to pay for more home insurance on an older home due to the higher likelihood of a claim.
2. Checklist for Moving Into an Older Home
If the advantages outweigh the downsides, here’s a checklist to follow before you move in into your new home.
Paint
Give the walls and ceilings a splash of paints to refresh the place.
Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
Technology has made it so easy to be safe these days as they can be even setup with your phone, so you get to be notified even if you are away.
Replace the old carpet
This is pretty straightforward as old carpets tend to have that lingering smell even after they have been cleaned, besides being magnets for dust and other allergy-inducing particles. You should also ensure that your carpets are made of natural materials that don’t release any toxic chemicals.
Clean and restore the hardwood floors
Giving the flooring a new life can literally make the whole space look new.
Replace light fixtures
Let the light in and look for ways to strategically place lighting to brighten up the place.
3. Budget-Friendly Upgrades for Your Older Home
There are many cheap upgrades that will make your home look and feel so much better.
Improve insulation
One of the cons of an older home is that it most likely has poor insulation which is why it is less energy efficient and comes with a higher than usual utility bill. One upgrade that pays for itself is insulating your home. Besides insulating the attic, you can upgrade your windows. Older homes usually come with single pane windows and double pane windows do a much better job at keeping indoor air and outdoor air out, helping you consume less energy. Until you make these adjustments, the least you can do is look for electric suppliers with a competitive and affordable rate to reduce your bill as much as possible.
Replace the mailbox
As tiny as this object may seem, upgrading your mailbox makes a huge difference in a home’s curb appeal. Splurge a little and get the fanciest mailbox in the neighborhood, it won’t cost you a fortune.
Add a splash of color
Paint your front door and window shutters. Paint interior walls in bright colors that will improve your mood and make the house look more modern. Paint old light fixtures.
Upgrade the kitchen
There’s a saying that kitchens sell houses as this is the place where we do much more than just prepare food. Getting a new kitchen sink, a modern faucet and repainting the cabinets can literally make the whole place look brand new.
Hide the ugly parts
You can hide your utilities such as the AC unit with some flower baskets that can also be hanged on the fence posts. Just get creative and place lights strategically to focus on the good parts.
Takeaway
An older home isn’t a new home, but it can look much more modern with a bit of effort and a lot of creativity. If you have the budget to upgrade it, go for it. But whatever you do, just don’t forget to give it a deep-clean which will make a big difference on its own.