Tag Archives: old

Jan10

Renovating An Old Home? Check Out These Tips

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Renovating An Old Home? Check Out These Tips

When it comes to renovating an old home, there are a few key things to keep in mind for the project to be a success. It’s important to be prepared because there’s a lot that might challenge you when going through this huge undertaking. Here are some tips to help guide you through the process:

Start with a plan:

Before any work begins, it’s crucial to have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish with your renovation. Make a list of the specific areas of the home that you want to update and consider how those updates will fit in with the overall style and architecture of the house. This will help you to create a comprehensive plan and budget for the project, which will help to keep you on track and so you don’t overspend on unnecessary items.

Prioritize structural updates:

An old home may have structural issues that need to be addressed before you can move on to cosmetic updates. These types of updates can include foundation repairs, roof replacements, or updates to the electrical and plumbing systems. While these types of updates can be costly, they are essential to the safety and longevity of your home. By taking care of these issues, your home will be safe and secure for you and your family, and prevent costly repairs down the road.

Make energy-efficient updates:

Energy-efficient updates can help to reduce your energy costs and improve the overall comfort of your home. These might include adding insulation, replacing flimsy siding and doors, or installing a high-efficiency heating and cooling system. These types of updates can be a bit more expensive initially, but over time, they can pay for themselves in energy savings. Another way to do this is to install new windows; Renewal by Andersen window replacement can help you with that.

Be prepared for surprises:

Even the most well-planned renovation projects can encounter unexpected issues, such as hidden mold or old wiring. Be prepared to adapt your plan as needed, consult with experts when necessary, and make changes to your budget to accommodate any unexpected expenses.

Do your research:

It’s important to research the best contractors to hire, the most cost-effective materials, and the latest technology for your renovation to achieve the best outcome. This will help you to find the right team to work with and make informed decisions about the materials and products you’ll use.

By following these tips and keeping an open mind, you can renovate an old home with confidence and turn it into a beautiful and comfortable living space that will stand the test of time.

Featured Image By: PXHere

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Sep9

Important Steps When Updating An Old Property

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Important Steps When Updating An Old Property

When you’re faced with an older property to renovate, the challenges presented can put a lot of homeowners off from purchasing it in the first place. However, there are some of us out there that love a challenge, and an old property certainly gives you it in abundance.

An older property should be approached carefully and will often be more costly than the average renovation. Whether you’re updating one room or multiple, there’s a right way to go about it in order to get the most out of your investment. Let’s look at the important steps you need to take in order to update an old property successfully:

How much is typically spent on renovating a property?

According to Rocket Mortgage, the average house renovation can cost anywhere between $15,000 to a whopping $200,000. Of course, not everyone has this type of cash just sitting in their bank account, which means you often need to be realistic about what you can afford.

Depending on the skills you possess, there are some jobs that you can likely do yourself, whilst others will require a professional hand. Before you start hammering down walls or stripping fixtures away from ceilings, it’s important to have planned and prepared the project properly. How much are you thinking of spending on the project and what’s required from the renovation?

Let’s look at some of the most crucial steps for updating an older property:

Install new windows:

To brighten up the appearance when it comes to your home’s exterior, new windows are a great way to update its look. There are plenty of companies out there who will be more than willing to help knock out the old windows and replace them with eco-efficient, high-performance alternatives including this one here.

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^^^ Unsplash Image

Typically, you’d expect to pay around $600 for a window but this can vary from $200-$1,200.

Assess any other structural work that needs doing:

Structural work is something that should be undertaken before you make any cosmetic changes to your property. There may be certain issues within the walls, floors, and ceilings of the property that need fixing. Wouldn’t it be frustrating to spend all that money and do all that work only to find that there’s a serious structural issue that means you need to rip everything out and start again? By doing the assessments and getting the professionals in to take a closer look at the integrity of the property, the more problems you can avoid further down the line.

Focus your attention room by room:

When it comes to your focus, make sure it’s spent on tackling each room individually, rather than all at once. Unless you can afford to move out of the property and spend the money to do everything at once, it’s both a more pleasurable experience and a less stressful one to do it in separate chunks. Not only that but it means your attention isn’t spread too thinly, which ultimately helps avoid mistakes.

Replace outdated fixtures and fittings:

With your fixtures and fittings, it’s important to replace these in order to provide your home with a blank canvas. For example, the lighting found in most old homes is likely very outdated and unless you want to refurbish some of them due to their vintage appearance, it’s good to replace them.

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^^^ Unsplash Image

Upgrade your heating system:

Upgrading your heating system is a must, especially as a lot of the old properties back in the day would run on the most basic of heating systems. There has been a considerable amount of development in central heating systems. This can be a costly expense, but it’s something you should definitely consider, along with air conditioning units.

Do a check of the roof and guttering:

Your roofing and guttering protect your home from water damage so any compromises in these structures can cause a lot of costly damage. With that said, get the professionals in to do a check of the roof and guttering when possible.

Upgrading old properties can be extremely gratifying, so with this in mind, enjoy the process of creating your dream home!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jun10

What To Know Before Buying And Restoring An Old Home

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What To Know Before Buying And Restoring An Old Home

There is something special about an old home. Maybe it’s the character that comes with age or the feeling of history surrounding it. Whatever it is, there is a certain allure to restoring an old home. However, if you’re thinking of buying and restoring an old house, there are some things you need to know first. This blog post will discuss some vital things you need to know before making such a big purchase:

Mold And Mildew:

One of the first things you need to be aware of when buying an old home is the potential for mold and mildew. These can often be found in older homes, particularly in damp or humid areas. If not addressed, mold and mildew can cause serious health problems for you and your family. Be sure to have a professional inspect the home for mold and mildew before making a purchase.

Mold spores are everywhere – in the air, surfaces, and dust. When these spores land on a wet or moist surface, they start to grow. Mold needs four things to grow: A food source (like wood, paper, or carpet), warmth, oxygen, moisture, or water. Mold can cause a lot of problems for your health like respiratory problems, headaches, and skin irritation. So if you have mold in your home, it’s essential to get rid of it as soon as possible with the best mold remediation company. Yours and your family’s health depends on it.

You can prevent mold by:

  • Controlling humidity levels
  • Fixing leaks ASAP
  • Cleaning up any spills immediately
  • Ventilating damp areas like the bathroom and laundry room
  • Using an air conditioner or dehumidifier (especially in humid climates)

Plumbing Issues:

Older homes often have outdated or inefficient plumbing that can cause various problems. These problems can range from minor leaks to complete system failures. Be sure to have a professional inspect the home’s plumbing before making a purchase. Common plumbing problems include leaky pipes, low water pressure, clogged drains, frequent clogs, and outdated fixtures.

If not adequately addressed, these problems can lead to more significant issues like flooding or sewage backup. They can also be expensive to fix, so it’s important to be aware of them and have an emergency plumbing service on speed dial before making a purchase.

You can prevent plumbing problems by:

  • Regularly inspecting pipes for leaks
  • Fixing leaks and drips as soon as they’re found
  • Cleaning out drains and gutters regularly
  • Installing a water filtration system
  • Use low-flow fixtures when possible.

Problems With Roofing:

Another common issue in older homes is roofing problems. This is because roofs are constantly exposed to the elements and they can start to deteriorate over time. Be sure to have a professional inspect the home’s roof before making a purchase. Common roofing problems include missing or damaged shingles, leaks, holes, and sagging. If not adequately addressed, these problems can seriously damage your home and be expensive to fix.

Poor Insulation and Drafty Windows:

One of the things you’ll notice almost immediately upon moving into an old home is how poorly insulated it is. This can be a serious problem, especially during winter when energy bills skyrocket. You’ll often find that the windows are single paned and provide very little protection against the cold. You might also notice cracks and gaps around doors and windows that let in drafts. Insulation and energy-efficient windows are two of the first things you should tackle when restoring an old home.

If your budget doesn’t allow for new windows right away, there are some things you can do to improve the situation. Caulking and weather-stripping are relatively inexpensive ways to seal cracks and gaps. You can also install storm windows over your existing windows to provide an extra layer of protection against the cold.

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^^^ Pexels Image

Outdated/Inefficient HVAC Systems:

Another common problem in old homes is an outdated or inefficient HVAC system. This can be a significant expense to replace, so you’ll want to consider it when budgeting for your restoration project. However, simply upgrading to a more efficient system will often suffice. This can save you money in the long run by reducing your energy bills.

If your HVAC system is beyond repair, there are some things you can do to make it more efficient. For example, adding insulation to your attic and crawl spaces can help keep heat from escaping through the roof and walls. You might also consider installing a programmable thermostat to better control the temperature in your home. Both measures can help reduce your energy consumption and save you money on your utility bills.

Foundation/Structure Issues:

If you find yourself with a home with foundation or structural problems, there are some things you can do to mitigate the damage. For example, installing supports and braces can help stabilize the structure and prevent further damage. You might also consider having a professional waterproof the basement to prevent moisture from causing further damage.

Dangerous Electrical Systems:

Old wiring is a common problem in old homes. It’s usually made of cloth or rubber, which degrades over time. This can cause shorts and fires. You should have an electrician inspect the wiring and update it to current standards. Even if you plan on doing some of the work yourself, having professionals check things out first is best.

Another electrical hazard is knob-and-tube wiring. This was common in homes built before 1950. It consists of ceramic knobs that support insulated tubes that run through your walls. The problem with this type of wiring is that it doesn’t have a ground wire. That means if there’s a short, nothing stops the electricity from flowing through your walls and starting a fire. Again, you’ll need an electrician to take care of this.

You should keep a few things in mind before buying and restoring an old home. First, although it may be a lot of work, it can be a very rewarding experience. With a bit of research and planning, you can end up with a beautiful and unique home that you will enjoy for many years to come!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar3

Accessory Story: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, And Something Blue Edition

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Accessory Story: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, And Something Blue Edition

Howdy! Does anyone have an accessory that they wear every day? Maybe it’s your favorite bracelet, the earrings that you never take out, or the anklet that’s too difficult to bother taking off. I actually have four bracelets that I wear every day, compliments of my beloved mom and the beautiful Kate of Ankhor You.

Back in October, you might remember that I spent some time in New York City for the first annual Bloggers Conference between me and Kate. Once I was there, it was fabulous. But, I’ll tell ya what, getting there was a bit of a struggle. I had never traveled alone before and, needless to say, I was freaking the fuck out lol. But, in true mom fashion, my darling JANE always knew just what to say and do to calm me down. She let me pick out one of her pieces of jewelry so it was like she was with me on the trip. It was

SO SWEET

And I ended up selecting the following bracelet set from my mom:

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By the time I arrived home from my NYC extravaganza, I was too attached to the bracelets to give them back and asked my mom if I could keep them. Obviously, she said yes, because I have been wearing them every day since my trip. The bracelets are kind of falling apart now and beads are falling off. But, I plan on wearing them until every single bead is gone. ❤

These bracelets are old, blue, and technically borrowed – so what’s the new one? This here Alex and Ani bracelet from the beautiful Kate, of course:

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This gorgeous Harry Potter themed bracelet was a Christmas surprise from Kate, and I have been wearing it every day since it arrived in the mail. This is my first Alex And Ani bracelet and it couldn’t be more perfect. The theme, the sentiment behind it, the element of surprise from a package in the mail from NYC. I get emotional just thinking about it!!! :*)

When these bracelets combine, I have something old, new, borrowed, and blue and my day wouldn’t feel complete without having them on my wrist. So special thanks to my mom and my darling Kate for gifting me with something that makes me smile every day. I LOVE YOU!!! ❤

Do you own anything that fits the old, new, borrowed, and blue guidelines? Do you have a piece of jewelry that you wear daily or don’t take off? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct13

Look After Yourself Now, You’ll Still Be Healthy When You’re Old!

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Look After Yourself Now, You’ll Still Be Healthy When You’re Old!

Look After Yourself Now, You’ll Still Be Healthy When You’re Old!

I’m one of those people that hates thinking about the future. I guess it kind of scares me and I hate looking ahead to a time where I’m old and wrinkled. You have to enjoy life while you’re in your prime right? But lately, I’ve begun to realize something. If I don’t look after myself now, I’m going to have a terrible life when I’m older. It’s all very well saying that it’s years away. But old age will be on us sooner than we think. Just look at the celebs who haven’t aged quite so wonderfully. Matt Le Blanc used to be a heartthrob. Now he’s…well, still a heartthrob. But a heartthrob with gray hair and a few wrinkles around the eyes. Now that I’ve thoroughly depressed you let’s look at ways to make sure your later years aren’t plagued with poor health.

Be Mindful Of Your Body: We all do crazy things when we’re younger. It’s fun to take chances and try things like bungee jumping or skydiving. Who knows, maybe you’ve gone white water rafting? These aren’t the types of things that I’m talking about. It’s the constant routine ways we hurt our body that I’m starting to get worried about. You know, things like running. I’m sure plenty of my readers love a good run in the evening after work. But did you know running could cause you to develop arthritis as early as 35? It could, particularly if you’re not running in the right shoes. Putting immense pressure on your joints could cause them to age a lot faster than you would like. You might have already noticed the signs with pain in your knees. There is platelet rich plasma for arthritis relief. but ideally, you don’t want to find yourself in this position at all.

Let Bad Habits Die: They say bad habits die hard and I certainly agree. But we still need to try, don’t we. We should be listening to the scientists about the things we do that are slowly killing us. Smoking, drinking, drugs, bingeing. All of these bad habits are having an adverse effect on our health. It’s time to get rid of them for good and stop leaving them for failed New Year’s resolutions. New Year’s resolutions are gimmicks. If you want to quit something, do it. Don’t wait for everyone else to start trying to get the monkeys off their backs. You need to start planning to quit right now!

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Pixabay Photo

Stay Mentally Active: Lastly one of the things that terrifies me the most about getting older is the risk of Dementia. That’s why I’m determined to do everything I can to avoid it. Research shows the best thing that you can do is keep your mind active. Don’t just binge TV every night. Pick up a book and complete crosswords, jumbles (my favorite!), or sudoku. If you do this, you’ll ward off the dangers of dementia that have destroyed so many lives.

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Exercise your mind!

There are plenty of preventative measures to take to keep yourself young no matter what your age. What are some of the ones that you utilize daily?

Featured Image Photo By: Pixabay