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Wednesday, August 10th, 2016
This Hooker Furniture Living Room Imperial Regal 3-Piece Stationary Sectional will look great in any old home.
There are two ways that you can be saddled with an old home issue; first, if you inherited one or if you bought one and are about to remodel it. Whichever scenario brought you this dilemma, you have to know that old home issues are sure to come up sooner or later so you might as well know what you’re about to face.
But what can be considered an old home?
This is going to be a subjective definition. Some would say that it is any house that’s been standing for 30 years or longer. This is why it is common for old house problems to materialize. Yet homes are supposed to age slowly and the problems that homeowners encounter often accrue gradually.
Religious maintenance can make a huge difference as can the quality of construction. Do accept, though, that the older the home gets, the likelier that you are going to encounter issues that would impact its livability as well as its safety.
Foundation Problems
You would require an inspection by a competent structural engineer if the floor that you’re walking on feels uneven. There are also less obvious signs that could manifest inside your home such as windows and doors that no longer latch properly. Such issues could also be spurred by foundation issues. Drywall cracks that are seen over windows and doors are also signs of a weakening foundation. Hairline cracks may appear harmless but a certified structural engineer would say otherwise.
A quick exterior inspection must be done right away. Check for any bulges inside foundation walls or any part of your home that no longer appears vertical. See also if there are chipping and flaking and if you do see any get a screwdriver to check the concrete’s hardness.
The cost for foundation repair could be as low as $1,000 or it could go a lot higher depending on the damage.
The Leaky Roof
The intrusion of water in your home is a sure death to the structure. The soundness of your roofing system is crucial to the overall health of every structure therein.
So how do you spot if you have a leaky roof?
If you spot staining on the ceiling, then this could be a sign of roof leaks. There could also be other issues that could cause this such as plumbing or window leaks, no matter, some repairs need to be done.
Water spots on the exterior walls can also be a sign of flashing issues. If you see these, you need to inspect the roof tiles or shingles to see if there are any problems like cracks, unsecured flashing, missing parts or cupping. Taking a quick look at the attic insulation should also reveal signs of moisture. Looking for daylight underneath the roof boards is also an effective way of seeing if the roof is still in perfect shape.
Roof repair costs vary so it is best to get an estimate from a contractor or a local roofer.
Old Features
Popcorn ceilings are removable though it could cost anywhere from $2,000 and up. The job becomes more hazardous if the ceiling contains asbestos (which is a probability). Allow a contractor to do the testing and the ceiling removal.
Old countertops and cabinets should also be replaced eventually. Painting jobs are relatively easy as would the replacement of fixtures but outdated furnishings need to be addressed right away. That heirloom cabinet might be housing not just your great grandma’s antique pieces but also some termites so watch out.
Waterproofing Issues
If there is a musty smell in your home then, chances are, you have waterproofing problems. It could be mold or mildew that has built up in the walls, the attic or even your under floor framing. Once you smell this, be sure to ask for a professional inspection. This is a potential major issue as it could require a new drainage or waterproofing.
Tags: designing an old home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, old home, old home design, old home remodeling, old house care, old house problems, redesigning old homes, remodeling an old home, taking care of an old house
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101 | No Comments »
Saturday, June 25th, 2016
The Hooker Furniture Living Room Malawi Tonga Stationary Sofa will look great in an old home.
When you happen to live in an old home or are thinking of buying or remodeling an existing one, then prepare yourself to some old house issues. There are mere nuisances and there are also problems that could cause danger. Before you get down to business, you must prepare for the costs and issues that are associated with old home ownership.
What Is An Old Home?
Just what, exactly, is an old home? Do you know how to categorize one?
This can be a bit difficult to define but most designers classify this to be any home that is 30 years and older.
Old Home Issues
Homes often age slowly and majority of the problems that ensue occur gradually. It is important to have a continuous maintenance for every home. Of course, the older the structure, the more issues that would probably impact its safety as well as its livability; one of such issues is the problem on foundation.
An uneven floor is indicative of a serious problem that should be taken care of by a structural engineer. There are also less obvious signs that could manifest over time. For instance, doors or windows that no longer latch properly could also be indicative of foundation problems. Other signs include drywall cracks especially on windows and doors.
Quick exterior inspections should be done to look for bulges on walls or any other sections that do not appear too perfect.
You can also have the foundation inspected for flaking and chipping. A simple way to check is to use a screwdriver to know the current hardness of the concrete. Never ignore hairline cracks on concrete as they are often signs of a major problem. Just to be on the safe side, if you see such things in your old home, then have a structural engineer take a look.
Small foundation repairs could cost as little as $1,000 or it could be more depending on the case that needs to be checked and repaired.
Another old home problem is that of a leaking roof. Over time, this could slowly corrode your home, leaving the roof to a critical condition. If you see water spots on your ceiling, then these are signs of roof problems. Window and plumbing leaks can result in stains.
Water spots found on exterior walls are signs of flashing issues on your roof. Should these occur, make a thorough inspection of the roof tiles or shingles. Cupping, missing, cracking or flashing tiles or shingles all point to issues that could become worse over time. Look at the attic for any signs of moisture. See also if you can see through the roof boards during the day.
What about popcorn ceilings? These should be removed by professionals especially when there is asbestos to be addressed.
Other problems like fixture finishes, paint that is out of style, old countertops and cabinets all need one thing – modernization. Repainting is quite easy as is the replacement of fixtures. But if there are outdated countertops, cabinets and tiles to alter, you could look at a bigger project in your hands. What would make this project more complicated is if you also need to deal with electrical and plumbing problems.
If you’re thinking that these are all that you should look into, think again. You may also have a problem with poor drainage as well as waterproofing. If you smell something musty in the basement, then you definitely have mold there.
When the concern is old furnishings, then the solution is to redress your home with new pieces.
Remember that these problems did not happen in just a few years. So make a careful list of what needs to be repaired and take on these issues one day at a time. Again, if uncertain, always ask for the help of a professional.
Hooker Furniture Dining Room Chatelet Round Dining Table with One 20in Leaf
Tags: decorating an old home, designing an old home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, old home, old home decor, old home design, old home remodeling, redesigning old homes, remodeling an old home
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016
What would be more perfect for the dining room in your old home than this table from the Antebellum Collection of FFDM?
Do you know the old saying that old homes have souls? If this is the case, then you really have to find time to redesign an old home (if you happen to live in one). Interior design, after all, is not all about the creation of a new residence. If you are one of the few that are blessed to own a house that has already earned its own character, then it’s high time to bring out its best features.
Hide All Imperfections
One of the best ways to conceal imperfections is to paint over them. So go ahead and paint the ceilings and walls. Be sure to highlight the walls, trim and ceiling.
What makes people fall in love with older homes is how they speak of a different era. Back then, there was a certain level of personality and polish that are required for finishing touches. Simple coats of paint can preserve and highlight beautiful architectural details.
Designers typically paint a single color on the trim, walls and ceiling. The trim has a slightly higher gloss so that it subtly calls for attention. Once this palette is already in place, find a bold shade such as dark gray to paint your doors. These will serve as architectural highlights in your home.
Paint the trim work in neutral contrasting shade if it is still in great shape. This is a great way to show it off while being consistent in every room throughout your place. Applying the same paint on the ceiling can help fuse the look together for a more stately and architectural appeal.
Hooker Furniture Bedroom True Vintage Arched Mirror comes in a light wood finish and an elegantly aged driftwood finish.
Still on your home’s vintage trim, make sure to use in-window shade rather than hanging drapes. This is so you can leave the trim exposed for everyone to enjoy. These shades also add a modern touch in a subtle way, one that would not steal the integrity of your original home.
If, however, you have awkward looking windows, then go ahead and use those drapes. A lot of older homes tend to have quirky windows. A wall of drapery should hide such windows.
Another beauty that you can use in designing old homes is the installation of stained glass. If you do not already have them, invest in this type of glass which will make simple white walls appear more stimulating.
Embrace Contemporary Furnishing
Universal Furniture Bedroom Santa Rosa Poster Bed Queen 313280B at McCreerys Home Furnishings
If you want your traditional home to have an edgy, modern-day feel, then make sure that you invest in contemporary furniture pieces. These are those simple pieces with clean lines. Find rich textures, soft colors and linear pieces. Going radical when it comes to modernity is not the way to go, though. Make sure that you are able to control both contemporary and traditional concepts in such a way that they won’t fight. Take for instance the lovely Universal Furniture Bedroom Santa Rosa Poster Bed (313280B) which brings together both contemporary and traditional concepts so beautifully. This queen size bed is crafted using birch veneers and hardwood. It comes in two-tone finish namely the dark vintage and the lighter heirloom tone. Its aged birch veneer is the right touch to any traditional setting. Add to this the antiqued metal, crown molding, as well as overhanging tops, and you’ve achieved sophistication.
This lovely bed also comes in California king size.
Still on mixing modern and traditional periods, another way to add a modern feel is to place appliances such as TV, a computer or a plush sofa inside the room. Modern accessories will also make a huge difference in old homes so don’t be afraid to add in a dash of modernity.
Tags: classic, classic design, classic home, classic interior design, classic interiors, classic style, classicism, contemporary, drapes, guidelines, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, modern, neutral paint, neutral paint colors, old architecture, old home, old homes, redesigning old homes, timeless, timeless design, timeless interior design, timeless interiors, tips
Posted in Architectural Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
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