Older
homes, built before WWII or earlier, are charming, unique, historic, quirky,
annoying, and expensive—and you wouldn’t live anywhere else. So when it comes
time to maintenance, should you repair or replace?
Experts
agree that you should always try to maintain the originality of the home, with
the exception of kitchens and bathrooms. Whether you’re thinking of buying an
older home, have lived in one for many years, or are thinking of selling one,
kitchens and bathrooms should be updated for both functionality and resale
value.
Everything
else, however, can usually be repaired at a reasonable price—if you find the
right professionals. Four items in particular can be repaired relatively
inexpensively while maintaining your home’s character.
Cracked plaster
walls
Chips
and fissures can be repaired without destroying the original wood trim. A
professional can reattach the old plaster using special washers, then apply a
plaster-like coat over the top, saving up to $200 a room.
Loose stair
banisters
Repairing
a loose handrail is important for both looks and safety. An experienced
carpenter can tighten spindles at each step, and strengthen the entire banister
by tightening a nut in a hidden pocket in the newel post, for around $200.
Squeaky wood
floors
Time
and multiple refinishings cause creaky, squeaky wood floors. A professional
woodworker can sink micro-head screws through the floorboards and into the
framing below, to stop them from rubbing together, for about $200–$500.
Drafty windows
An
experienced carpenter can fix drafty, rattling windows. Removing built-up
paint, adding weather stripping, waxing rails and replacing hardware will make
the windows more energy-efficient for around $100–$200 each.
If
you’re looking to buy or sell a unique older home, give me a call at
317.777.1805 or email me at Scott@LacySells.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment