5 Things You Need to Know About Old Home Renovations in Jacksonville

You feel like a Southern debutant walking down the 100-year-old oak staircase. You were worried old home renovations would be too much to handle, but right now it all feels worth it.

The wood splinters off towards the edge of each step, worn away from a century of grand entrances.

You never thought you’d own a home where you can’t take your eyes off the ceiling. The crown molding is entrancing. It shows off the delicate craftsmanship you don’t find in new construction.

As you’re living out your dream of being a modern-day Scarlet O’Hara, your stomach drops when you hear a loud whistling coming from walls.

Are the old pipes on their last leg and about to burst open from 5 generations of families taking hot showers every day?

Antique homes come with character, craftsmanship, and quality already built-in.

But they also come with their own baggage.

From outdated wiring to ancient cracked tiles, these are the 5 things you need to know about restoring an old home.

1. Tuckpointing Will Be Your Best Friend

If you’re thinking, “what in the world is tuckpointing??” you may want to consider doing a little more research before throwing away your down payment.

One of the best aspects of buying an antique home is high-quality building materials.

But even a fortress needs maintenance. Tuckpointing is like a manicure for brick homes.

By scraping out the old mortar and refinishing it, your home can go from looking like Dracula’s hideout to Martha Stewart’s weekend getaway.

Old home renovations need to be done at least every couple of decades. Make sure to budget them into your mortgage payment so you don’t have to let your home go into disrepair.

2. Hold onto Your Wood Windows

Modern windows need replacing as soon as once every 10 years. Vinyl window frames have a reputation for energy efficiency, but they’re not designed to last.

Original wood frames last for decades. Why fix something that isn’t broke?

Wood frame windows are:

• Easy to repair--Older window frames are designed to be repairable unlike modern frames made with the cheapest available materials.
• Weatherstripping can make them just as energy-efficient as vinyl frames
• They can be painted to match changing interiors and exteriors
• Better at withstanding rough weather

3. Do a Little Research on Trisodium Phosphate (TSP)

Paint on an old home can feel like peeling an onion. With so many layers it can start to feel like the entire structure of the home is supported by old paint.

If you’ve ever worn makeup, do you use paint thinner to remove it? 

If your face is still intact, the answer is no. Antique home exteriors are like the sensitive skin on your face.

TSP is a heavy-duty paint remover that won’t destroy the finish on wood if used properly. It needs to be diluted with water and rinsed immediately after.

It’s a great time to practice your Mr. Miyagi impersonation with a “wax on, wax off” motion.

Revitalizing weather-worn wood is one of the best DIY home renovations if you’re new to building maintenance.

4. Know How to Spot Pests

Bad news if you’re a paranormal reality show addict--your old home probably isn’t haunted.

But there could be something much scarier lurking in the rafters. Water damage is every homeowner’s worst nightmare.

Antique homes have decades of opportunity to take on water damage. Unfortunately, the only ones getting any benefit out of the water-soaked floorboards are pests.

Woodlice, carpenter ants, and termites show up for a buffet when they smell water damaged wood homes.

5. Always Consider Resale Value

Moving is a pain. You have to buy new furniture, fixtures, and on top of everything else dealing with the stress of selling your home and buying a new one.

And as much as you want to believe that psychic downtown you paid $20 to tell you of your successes over the next 20 years, none of us know what the future holds.

Retiring, a new job, or needing a bigger home for your growing family can all make you regret that hastily-built loft above the garage.

If you really want to customize your home consider spending the money for professional consultations.

Architects and designers are pricey, but it’s better than having to tear down that sunroom you added because your realtor is telling you it’s in an awkward position.

Bin There Dump That Is Here for All Your Old Home Renovations

We want you to feel like a Victorian-era aristocrat as much as you do. That’s why we put together these tips--to help you know what you’re getting yourself into.

If the idea of renovations and constant maintenance are intimidating, an antique home may not be for you.

But for those of us enamored with the romantic history of homes with walls that can talk, the rewards are plentiful.

Every creek and moan coming from the stairs tell the story of lifetimes spent within these walls.

The delicately-crafted baseboards tell the story of your home’s beginnings every time you look up.

Even the old windows you’ve yet to weatherstrip letting in the warm summer breeze remind you of a time when everything wasn’t made of petroleum byproduct.

Old home renovations are best to do when you have a dumpster outside for any old materials and appliances.

If you’re looking for a residential dumpster rental service in Duvall County, Bin There Dump That has your back.

Free delivery, pickup, and 7-day rental are included in the pricing of every residential dumpster rental. Call now and get your quote in under 5 minutes.