Have you always dreamed of owning a historic old house, whether it be a farmhouse, a craftsman cottage, or a stone house in an exotic European location? Or maybe it’s a cottage in Northern Sweden that you can buy for a small sum, or a historic storefront in a small American town? This dream can become a reality, but one must be very very realistic about what is actually involved, and this dream can cost a pretty penny and possibly a few headaches plus. It might make more sense to simply take advantage of all the great airbnb rentals out there, but if you really want a place of your own, so do educate yourself before embarking on the journey!Restoring an old house is not an easy task, and there are many things to think about. Does the roof need replacing? Where to start first, from the basement or from the top floor? Regardless of possible challenges you may face, there are some universal guidelines that you should follow. In this article you will find five easy-to-follow tips that will help you as you navigate the project of making the old house of your dreams into a livable home. Wishing you all the best!

1. Contact the Professionals

Contacting professionals is often the best way to ensure that your house stays beautiful and functional for many years to come. For example, if you need to replace the roof, (very often necessary when purchasing a historic property) you can contact Rubber Roofing Direct: RubberRoofingDirect.co.uk.

If you have concerns about a house, the proper inspection can be invaluable before you go ahead with the purchase. While you may choose to do most of the work on a diy  basis, a quality contractor will conduct a thorough inspection of a home to provide you with all the details of the current condition. Without the advice of experienced professionals, you may not be aware of all problems in your house, and that bargain you thought you bought may turn out to be an endless pit of expenses.

Also keep in mind that maintenance and repair work is a large part of owning any old property, and one needs to be on top of any small problems that arise.  Again, professionals can give insight that will allow you to take action and prevent many problems before they happen in the first place.

Some common remodeling or renovation jobs include kitchen renovation, bathroom repair, attic conversion, brickwork, interior design, or roof repair. Chances are you’re not an expert at all of them, which is why enlisting the services of professionals will make the process much smoother and ensure that you’re not going to encounter too many problems in the future. 

2. Focus on the Priorities

Before getting knee-deep in choosing the right frames for your pictures, make sure to address the most critical issues. For example, thinking about your house’s layout should be at the top of your priority list. A house that functions in the way you need it too is of utmost importance. There are a few other fundamentals that you need to take care of when renovating your home. If you ignore them, you might end up with a home that is not functional at all, and what would be the point of that?

Plumbing and electrical are at the top of the list of things that are crucial to a functioning home, Electrical systems in any old home must be checked out by a professional to make sure that they are safe and that they won’t fail, and very often our needs for modern living require many more electrical outlets and wiring for lighting that was customary once. Old pipes that have not been replaced can lead to water damage and flooding, so get to know your pipes and act accordingly. Plumbing must be considered before any renovation, because you certainly don’t want to tear up a newly replaced floor in order to replace a pipe, yikes!

Ventilation is also very important in any home. Whether you install a modern ventilation system, which is often necessary in old homes built into a hill or in basements, or you opt to use fans oto circulate air, make sure that there is air circulation. The ventilation system should also keep the humidity level under control in order to prevent the growth of mold in your house.

3. Start Small

Do not plan the whole overhaul of your old house right away. Instead, address one thing at a time. Be sure to consider the financial issues that accompany any home renovation, and consult with others who have already completed something similar to get a realistic idea of what to expect.

Remember to plan this renovation together with a professional. Someone that is well versed in interior design, renovation, and architecture will give you a much better idea of what you can do with your house, and they will help you prioritize and maximize your budget and your time.

If you want to fix all issues at once, you should understand that the whole project might take up to two years (depending on your budget and time you can devote). Many recommend starting with small projects to become familiar with the house and the process before moving onto bigger and more expensive projects.

4. Accept the Quirks

Hopefully there are many features in your old house that you like. Maintaining the original character of the house as much as possible isn’t just budget friendly, it honors the history of the house, and makes it unique. For example, if you have wood accents in the structure you may need a wooden wall mirror to bring out those accents, mesh with the rest of the design elements, and who doesn’t like a great mirror? Accepting quirks also helps you stay within budget and lower your standards as far as perfection, which is in any case not realistic in an old home, unless you want to spend more than the price of building a new one!

5. The Bottom Line: Get Inspired

There are plenty of print and online publications for you to delve into in order to find the perfect designs and renovation ideas for your home. That said inspiration can come from many sources, including historic homes in the area, museums or history books. Do some research about the architectural style of your home, the time in which it was built and who lived there, and that may just be the kind of inspiration that will help you create a style that is truly unique and perfect for your home. If you love antiques, a trip to your local flea market or antique mart is also a great way to get started.

Getting inspiration from professionals is very helpful, but keep in mind that you should also adhere to your own tastes and preferences. Don’t just blindly follow the advice from magazines and online publications — mix professional expertise with your own style to end up with a unique house that reflects your personality. After all, the old house of yours is the home you’ve been dreaming of, so make sure it feels like it!