Renovating Your Home

Do you like to restore houses? Perhaps restore historic homes? You can check with your real estate agent or visit websites specializing in helping you. Some people actually move old homes to better locations and it doesn't cost as much to do it as you might think.

Here are a few tips to think about, however:

• Have any home you are considering for purchase inspected for termites. If there are termites, have it fumigated or tented by a professional exterminator.
• Check the height of the ceilings. Low houses have lower ceilings that our more modern ones. You can't do anything about low ceilings downstairs.
• Look for sagging floors. They can't always be lifted up and supported. Consult with a contractor for advice.
• You should have a love for restoring old places, otherwise it might make more sense to tear down the dwelling and build something new. Just remember, that a new place will never have the character of an old place - at least not in your lifetime.
• Check to make sure you can add on to the home. You'll have to know your lot lines and check with the city. Sometimes old places have odd floor plans and you'll want to make sure on the front end that you can do what you need to do before signing on the dotted line.
• For vintage detailing, such as hardware, visit salvage yards and you'll be amazed at what you can find.

Quick Links

Decorating Laundry Rooms
Green Kitchens
Stone Countertops
Countertop Tops
Rock Solid Granite
Remodeling Kitchens
Kitchen Remodeling
Kitchen Counters

Barbara Jennings is author of 10 decorating books: Decor Secrets Revealed, Rearrange It, Home Staging for Profit, Home Staging for Yourself, Arrange Your Stuff, Advanced Redesign, Pro Art Consulting, Where There's a Wall - There's a Way, The Art of Hanging Art, Great Parties! Great Homes!