By Rachel Brougham, The Family Handyman
You found the perfect house. Well, it will be the perfect house once it’s renovated.
Buying old homes can be a gamble, and when you add in a renovation, things can get tricky. Before you sign on the dotted line, here are some pros and cons to renovating old houses.
Pros
1. Old houses can be bought for less. If you’re looking for a true fixer-upper, you’ll likely pay less than you would for a new home. And if you do the renovations yourself, you can save thousands of dollars in the long run and you’ll end up with a great investment.
2. An old house has plenty of character. There will likely be old woodwork, intricate details in the moldings and quirky light fixtures and hardware. Even with renovations, you’ll be able to keep some of the uniqueness while bringing it up-to-date and making it your own.
3. When it comes to the building blocks of an old house, you know what you’re in for as these homes were built to last. While you may have to update plumbing and electrical, the structure of the home is usually solid.
Cons
1. The price for renovating an old house can be steep. Some of the most expensive areas for renovating an old house can be found in replacing the roof and foundation, electrical and plumbing and updating the HVAC system. Be sure to get a thorough inspection before buying so you know what you may be in for price-wise.
2. Old homes can harbor toxins. Materials such as lead and asbestos are common in old homes and can be a health hazard if they aren’t dealt with properly. Having them professional removed can make the cost of your renovation skyrocket.
3. Renovations could take more time. Since old homes aren’t generally cookie-cutter, unexpected surprises are often found during renovations. Your plans, price and timeline will likely change, and most of the time it’s not for the better.
