An old home in Connecticut is being given new life.
As the housing market booms, there’s a growing demand for older homes that are in need of a little more tender loving care. As buyers look for a good deal, they are increasingly drawn to some of the charm of antiques, even if they are covered in dust.
Crown molding, wide-plank hardwood floors, elaborate hand-crafted mantles – these are all things homebuyers can’t afford in new construction or without spending a fortune. Old houses have characteristics that attract people. They want to own a piece of history, find out who and when the original owners were, and discover the story behind their new home.
“There’s nothing like an old house,” says Sharon McCormick of Sharon McCormick Design. “Patina develops over time and cannot be recreated in new construction. Antique homes are usually solidly built and are worth restoring if the location is right. I myself have restored a 1730 Colonial. I can tell you firsthand from experience that being a custodian of a historic building is a privilege and an adventure.”
People often want to buy older homes because they love the history, architecture, and feel of their home.
“Unless the home on the market has been fully renovated, it also gives new buyers the opportunity to put their own stamp on the property,” McCormick said.
Common renovation projects for older homes include updating the kitchen and bathrooms to incorporate modern conveniences. What you need to remember is the difference between renovation and restoration. Renovation is about updating, and restoration is about restoring a home to its former glory.
Benefits of purchasing a used home
When someone buys an old house, most of the time it’s because of the character inside the house and what you can do with it. As construction prices rise, it can become increasingly difficult to afford what you want in a new home.
“If you’re looking to buy wood, windows or appliances, they’re still in short supply and very expensive,” said Kelly Burke of Kelly Burke Interiors. “When you find an older home that has charm and gorgeous hand-carved paneling and railings; [homebuyers] Please be more grateful. ”
What was previously considered a negative when it comes to buying antique homes has become a positive, increasing the demand for homes.
“Antique homes are often clustered together, creating unique communities of like-minded people,” McCormick says. “Right now, there is a need for walkability, and many of these homes are located in the heart of towns and cities. Historic District Commissions provide preservation-minded people with the structure and character of neighborhoods, as well as Protect your investment.”
A fusion of upcycling and restoration
Owning an old home comes with several perks, including being the perfect place to put your upcycled pieces. Upcycling antique chairs, tables, and other furniture has become extremely popular during the pandemic. Homeowners turned to antiques as furniture stores ordered backorders and ran out of stock.
“Antique stores were thriving and people were discovering the greatness of the style, full of old historic features,” Burke said. “Along with embellished stories from the past, when, who, and why the piece was purchased or owned. People used it to make their homes more unique. I love the storytelling of found items.”
The act of buying an old house is considered environmentally friendly, as it protects natural resources and prevents materials from being sent to landfills.
“Related to this idea, one goal is to use salvaged items for renovation or restoration.Obviously, another reason for using architectural salvage is to preserve and enhance original integrity. ,” McCormick said. “The third reason is that salvaged antiques are often cheaper than buying new items.”
repair
Working on a restoration can be scary at first, but it can also be a lot of fun. When planning your renovation, decide whether you want to stick to a more period design or go for something funky and modern. When tackling renovations, think outside the box.
“Giving the historic butler’s pantry a fun coat of lacquer paint can make your home photo-worthy for the price of a bucket of Ben Moore,” Burke said. “Add some funky, modern wallpaper to the ceiling and you’ll have a great room at a fraction of the cost of a new home.”
Once you start, you begin your adventure in the house itself. McCormick said hidden treasures may be found.
“Many antique homes are sold with an extra door in the attic that was removed by the previous owner,” she said. “Old doors, no matter what era they’re from, have many period characteristics. Barn door hardware is often warped, but you can use it as a slider in a pantry, closet, or entryway. ”
Fireplaces must meet fire codes for homeowner safety, so you may need to redo your fireplace.
“Reuse old bricks as much as possible and fill them with matching salvaged bricks,” Mr McCormick said. “Hunting is part of the fun. There are many online retailers you can use as sources, but your local salvage store is likely to have what you need.”
Flooring is another place where upcycled materials are used.
“Broad chestnut wood, up to 24 inches wide, was used as flooring in colonial times and can still be used for restoration,” McCormick said. “To use antique materials effectively, it is important to know how they were originally made. For example, chestnut floorboards are hand-planed and have a unique texture. He is one.”
Plumbing fixtures are an easy way to add some personality.
“Repurposed farm sinks, soapstone sinks, and pedestal sinks can often be used as is. Clawfoot tubs can be refinished to add a period feel to your bathroom,” says McCormick. , says antique light fixtures are readily available and can be easily rewired if needed.
Bringing up to code and installing new electrical and plumbing in an antique home can be problematic. You don’t always have the space or availability to do what you need. McCormick suggests running wires or pipes through the ceiling and surrounding them with old wood to give the illusion of beams.
No matter how you approach your project, you’ll be breathing new life into something old and storied.