Tips for Renovating the Home You’ve Lived in for Decades

Renovating a home is a daunting task. Nonetheless, there are times when you can’t avoid a reno. Perhaps the roof is leaking or the wiring is so old you keep thinking the worst. You may also want to renovate your home to give it a new look, or perhaps you’re bored with seeing the same roof, kitchen, and bathroom for decades, and that’s a legitimate reason to want to renovate your home.

Here are six tips to help renovate your home, especially if you’ve lived there for decades.

1. Establish Your Why

Knowing what you plan to do before you start renovating is important. Don’t start a renovation project on a whim. Think it through and make up your mind about what you want. The why of a reno project is as important as the how and what. Why do you want to renovate your home? Is it because something is faulty and needs a complete renovation, or do you want to refresh your old home to give it a modern feel and appearance? The how question is easy once you understand why you want to renovate.

2. Set a Budget

A reasonable budget includes labor, building materials, permits, and renovations. Choose affordable, high-quality products without sacrificing style and functionality. For example, using white and black colors is both inexpensive and modern.

Next, make room for the unexpected. Sometimes things don’t pan out exactly as you planned. You may encounter problems that’ll slow down the project. However, with a budget, you can be sure you won’t fall into such a trap.

3. Have a Plan

Don’t start tearing down the walls without a plan. There’s a wise saying that ‘an hour of planning saves you 10 hours of doing.’ A solid plan helps ensure your vision becomes a reality, adds value to your home, reduces safety risks, and avoids unnecessary expenses.

Don’t rush through the planning process. It may be lengthy, so patience is required. Take time to plan for the project and obtain permits. It’s also important to ensure the people involved are well organized and informed to ensure smooth coordination, from the designers to the builders.

4. Seek to Improve Functionality

As you renovate, pay careful attention to function, not just the form. According to an article by Earthweb published in 2023, about 80% of homes in the United States are at least 20 years old and in dire need of remodeling. 80% is a lot of old homes! Renovating these homes is not a cookie-cutter affair, as each is distinct and owned by people with different tastes and styles.

If your renovation will include new furniture, then Dave Higgins recommends quality ones like Amish furniture, which are 100% hand-crafted. The classic designs make them versatile, simple, timeless, and elegant. Add to this the fact that this type of furniture prioritizes practicality and functionality, and you have a real deal.

5. Preserve the Character of the Home

Every home has a personality and unique style you should maintain. That’s if your aim isn’t to shake things up and build something new. Keeping the original features in mind is important to maintain the house’s history. When working with a designer, let them know what you love about the home and the non-negotiable aspects, such as a fireplace, pocket doors that define the space, hardwood floors, and joinery work for coiffured ceilings and crown moldings.

6. Consider Landscape Renovation

Landscape renovations can easily change the look and feel of your property. Homes with beautiful, well-maintained grass lawns are preferred by 90% of Americans, according to the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Renovating a lawn is a great way to breathe new life into your property.

Your home is the most valuable investment in your life. Renovation is not cheap, but good planning and staying within a budget allows one to create a comfortable, safe, and functional sanctuary for you and your family. Start planning your next remodel and don’t forget about these tips during the process.