Moving Into An Old House? Here’s How To Fix It Up

Are you thinking of moving into an old home? Old homes have a charm and character that new homes can’t match. Old houses also hold sentimental and historical value.

Read on to learn how to fix an old house and make it livable.

Moving Into An Old House

Paint Old Walls

Moving into an old house is an exciting prospect knowing that there are 128.45 million households in the United States. Before you start painting the walls, use a primer to seal any cracks or holes. This will ensure that the paint will adhere properly and not chip or flake off.  

Use sandpaper to rough up the surface of the wall. This will create a “tooth” for the new paint to grip onto.

Choose a high-quality paint specifically designed for use on older homes. This type of paint will be more durable and resist fading and peeling.

Fix Wooden Floors

If you’re moving into an old house, there’s a good chance the floors are made of wood. While wooden floors can add a lot of character to a home, they can also be creaky and need repair. If you’re not handy with tools, you might wonder how to fix wooden floors. 

Start by sweeping and cleaning the floors. If there are any loose boards, nail them down. This will help you better understand which areas need to be fixed.

If the boards are warped or damaged, you might need to replace them. Once the floor is repaired, you can sand it down and refinish it. You can make your old floors look new again with some elbow grease.

Mend Rips In Old Carpets

If you’re moving into an old house, there’s a good chance that the carpets need some repair. Start by trimming any loose threads around the edges of the rip.

You can quickly repair any rips in your old carpets with a little effort. Use a needle and thread to sew the edges of the rip together. Use a carpet repair kit to patch the rip from the underside.

Get Rid Of Mice In Old Houses

If you’re moving into an old house, seal up any holes or cracks that they could be getting in through. Mice can squeeze through tiny spaces, so scrutinize your walls and floors.

Set up mouse traps around the house, and check them regularly. Mice are attracted to food, so keep your kitchen clean and free of crumbs.

If you have a pet, they can also help deter mice. Mice are timid creatures, and a cat or dog in the house will make them think twice about coming inside.

Cover Up Water Stains On Old Ceilings

If your old house has water stains on the ceilings, try painting the ceiling with white or light-colored paint. This will help brighten the room and make the stains less noticeable.

You can also try covering the stains with wallpaper. You can also ask the best roofing company that can help you with your ceiling. If the stains are nasty, you may need to replace the affected ceiling tiles.

Replace Any Dated or Damaged Fixtures

If you’re moving into an old house, chances are there are some dated or damaged fixtures. Take a look at all of the fixtures in your new home and assess which ones need to be replaced. Replacing these fixtures is a great way to make your new house feel more like your own. 

Once you’ve identified the fixtures that need to be replaced, it’s time to start shopping for new ones. Pay attention to the style of your home and try to find fixtures that complement it.

Installation can be tricky, so it’s best to hire a professional if you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself. However, if you’re up for a challenge, you can try to install the fixtures yourself. You’ll be surprised at how much of a difference replacing old fixtures can make in your home’s overall look and feel.

Add New Appliances

If you’re moving into an old house, you must add new appliances. This can help update the kitchen’s look and make it more functional. This can be costly, but it will make the most significant difference in updating your home. 

If your old stove is still in good working order, you could add a new refrigerator and dishwasher to update your kitchen.

Add Storage to Maximize the Space

Old homes are charming, but they often come with storage issues. Declutter and donate items you don’t need. This will make it easier to find things you need and give you more space to work with.

Consider adding shelving, hooks, and baskets to maximize storage space. Take advantage of vertical space by adding high shelves and cabinets.

Be creative. Think outside the box to find creative storage solutions for your space. Following these tips can add storage and maximize the space in your old home.

Spruce up the Yard

If you’re moving into an old house, one of the first things you’ll want to do is spruce up the yard. This can be a big job, but making your new home look its best is worth it. 

Start by cleaning up any debris that’s in the yard. This includes things like sticks, leaves, and rocks. Then, trim any overgrown grass and weeds.

You can turn an old yard into a beautiful space with little effort. You’ll want to add some color by planting flowers or other plants. Make sure the yard is well-lit by adding some new light fixtures. 

Get To Know Your Neighbors

When you move into an old house, one order of business should be getting to know your new neighbors. This can be done by introducing yourself, taking a walk around the neighborhood, and getting involved in local events and activities.

Once you’ve made some friends, you can start to fix up your old house together.  Working on your home together can create lasting bonds with the people around you.

Learning How to Fix an Old House

After reading this article, you should have a good understanding of how to fix up an old house. These are just a few tips, but they should help you get started. If you have any questions, be sure to ask a professional.

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Julie Higgins
Author
Julie is a Staff Writer at momooze.com. She has been working in publishing houses before joining the editorial team at momooze. Julie's love and passion are topics around beauty, lifestyle, hair and nails.