Do you like things that are unique? Special? So do I!!
Special to me means a nice old, dusty, maybe even run down and tired-like me sometimes, lol- house from the early 1900’s. That is like finding gold! These houses have something that just can’t be duplicated in a new model. There are so many ways to bring out the charm but add modern conveniences to an older home. Adding a dishwasher, for example, might be easier than you think. Or maybe even a new layout design for the kitchen, without losing some of that older house flavor. Turn an old water heater alcove into a new kitchen pantry or add a pantry cabinet to an unused area for additional storage.
You can add “old” design elements sometimes at little to no cost. I often save all the old wood from an older home when I demo a room and then reuse it in the design. An accent “Barnwood” wall can be made from the wood removed if you need to install new sheetrock. Of course, this only works on houses that are old enough to have shiplap or wood sheathing. I often have roofers keep the lovely old shiplap when I need new roof sheathing and save it for an accent wall somewhere else.
Is budget an issue... Not to worry!
So many social media for sale sites, like Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist can help with finds at a great price and you can often reuse a lot of what is already there. An update doesn’t have to break the bank. Think about alternate materials. An old solid wood door or live edge slab wood piece to make new countertops as an example. Here in the Northwest, it is usually inexpensive. Get some interesting tile from store overstock or someone else’s leftovers from another project.
Don’t know how to repair lathe/plaster or sheetrock? Why not put a design over the top? That’s where you can add Barnwood or skin the wall with ¼” sheetrock right over the top.
Older floorplans often don’t have the lovely open spaces we all seem to love these days. Maybe just open up the non-load-bearing wall, or even make a cutout so it feels more airy. Easier than you think but be sure to consult the appropriate professionals to make sure you don’t endanger the structure of the house. Rerouting basic electrical or moving a thermostat can be done and then you can have an opening from the kitchen to the dining/living rooms. Add some lumber to line the opening, stain it, and voila, you have a rustic look while updating the floorplan and it didn’t cost a fortune.
Are you ready to start your remodeling adventure? Just contact us now by requesting a consultation.