Things to Consider When Renovating an Old Home

April 6, 2022

With the housing market at its peak, you might be looking to purchase a fixer-upper or fix up your current house. Not only is restoring an old house a rewarding experience, but it’s also an excellent investment. Whether you’re purchasing an old home to make new again or renovating your current home, doing so will save and potentially make you thousands of dollars.


Before you start renovating an older home, here are some important things you should consider.


Transform Your Unfinished Basement


Finishing your basement can be beneficial in many ways. Whether you're creating extra living space or a potential rental suite, you must ensure your basement is indeed renovation-ready. There are usually a few issues with older houses that wouldn't be a problem today with modern advancements in home building materials.


A few of the issues you're bound to run into with a
basement renovation of an older home include moisture issues, lack of entrances (basement is only accessible through the house's interior), and health and safety issues (mould and air quality). A dry basement is one of the main aspects of a finished basement, so make sure you address all moisture issues beforehand. You'll also want to make sure the house's structural integrity stays in place if you decide to add new entranceways or windows.


Once you have addressed all of the above, you can begin making an old, dingy basement modern and livable. Impress friends, family, and potential buyers with fresh carpet installation, which is more than just comfortable but also stylish. 


Update Your Inefficient Furnace

 

Owning a home with an outdated HVAC system can lead to higher energy bills and poor heating and cooling throughout your home. Replacing an older furnace should be one of your priorities when you begin renovations. Most furnaces can last up to twenty years. If yours is older, it’s time for a new one. Replacing your furnace will give your home a warm, updated feeling you might not have realized you needed.


Repair Your Dated Deck


An old, splintery deck is not suitable for relaxing during the spring and summer and is sure to drive potential buyers away from the property. If your deck has survived some harsh winters and is now looking weathered and greyish, it’s time you consider a deck repair. The surface of an older deck is usually a tell-tale sign of wear and tear. Replacing or repainting wooden surfaces is essential for a brand new-looking deck. You’ll also want to ensure the beams and posts are offering ideal support and consider whether to replace those as well. 


Go for Custom Carpentry

 

Older homes offer a unique charm that modern homes lack. There are stories and memories built into older homes, structures, and carpentry that you can’t find today. A great way to enhance your older home during a renovation is custom carpentry. You can make outstanding additions to the current carpentry and create new ones with custom carpentry. Built-in shelving and entertainment systems are extremely sought after in today’s market. Use your imagination and bring your visions to life with the right renovation company.


Contact Homestyle Renovations Today 


If you’re looking to upgrade your older home and want to enlist the help of renovation experts, our professionals at Homestyle Renovations are here to help. We provide a reliable service that guarantees quality and long-lasting durability.


If you have any questions or want to learn more about how we can help bring your dream renovation to life, call us at 519-796-5448 or visit our online
contact page today.

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Homestyle Renovations has helped countless homeowners across Windsor-Essex turn their underutilized basements into stunning living areas through expert basement renovations . Transforming your basement into a functional and beautiful living space is one of the best ways to add value to your Windsor home. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about basement finishing and renovations , from planning and budgeting to design considerations specific to homes in our region. Unique Challenges of Windsor-Essex Basements Climate Considerations for Basement Finishing Windsor-Essex County experiences distinct seasonal changes that directly impact basement conditions. Our region faces: High humidity levels in summer months Freeze-thaw cycles in winter Heavy rainfall in spring and fall Proximity to water bodies that affect groundwater levels These climate factors create unique challenges when you renovate your basement in Windsor homes. High humidity and seasonal rainfall can lead to moisture issues if not properly addressed during the remodeling process. "Windsor basements have specific needs due to our climate and soil conditions," explains Kris Bodchon, founder of Homestyle Renovations . " Proper waterproofing isn't optional here... it's essential for successful basement renovations. " Common Basement Issues in Windsor Homes Before starting to renovate your basement, it's important to identify and address existing problems. Windsor homeowners frequently encounter these basement issues: Water seepage through foundation walls Concrete floor cracks due to settling Efflorescence (white mineral deposits) on walls High humidity and musty odors Inadequate insulation causing energy loss Outdated electrical systems not meeting current codes Addressing these problems is the crucial first step in any successful home improvement project. A thorough inspection by experienced professionals like those at Homestyle Renovations can identify these issues before they become larger problems during or after your basement remodeling . Planning Your Windsor Basement Project Setting Clear Goals for Your Basement Space The first step in planning basement renovations is determining how you want to use the space. Popular uses for a finished basement in Windsor-Essex homes include: Transforming your basement into a valuable family room Home offices Additional bedrooms for growing families In-law suites for multigenerational living Home gyms Children's play areas Storage solutions with improved organization Your intended use will guide all other decisions, from layout and lighting to materials and fixtures. Many Windsor homeowners are now creating multi-purpose basement spaces that can adapt to changing family needs. Creating a Realistic Budget for Renovating a Basement Costs for basement finishing in Windsor-Essex typically range from $35-$75 per square foot, depending on the scope of work and finishing level. A realistic budget breakdown for basement renovations includes: Waterproofing and foundation repairs (15-20% of budget) Framing and interior walls (10-15%) Electrical and lighting (10-15%) Plumbing for bathrooms or wet bars (10-15%) Basement flooring (10-15%) Painting and finishing (5-10%) Fixtures and appliances (10-15%) Permits and inspections (2-5%) Include a contingency fund of 10-15% for unexpected issues that may arise during the project. Windsor homes, especially older properties, often hide surprises behind walls or under floors that can impact your budget in a way that's not cost-effective. Permits and Regulations for Windsor-Essex Basement Projects Basement remodeling in Windsor-Essex requires proper permits to ensure work meets current building codes. Requirements vary slightly between municipalities, but generally include: Building permits for structural changes Electrical permits for new wiring or circuits Plumbing permits for bathroom additions HVAC permits for heating or cooling modifications City of Windsor and Essex County regulations also specify requirements for: Ceiling heights (minimum 6'11" for completed basement) Egress windows for emergency exits Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors Proper insulation R-values Bathroom ventilation Working with an experienced company like Homestyle Renovations ensures your project meets all local requirements and passes necessary inspections. Many homeowners consider hiring a professional to navigate these requirements. Design Considerations for Creating Comfortable Living Spaces Maximizing Natural Light in Below-Grade Spaces Basements typically have limited natural light, but these strategies can help: Enlarged window wells with reflective liners Glass block windows for privacy with light transmission Light-colored wall paint to reflect available light Strategically placed mirrors to amplify light Light tubes or solar tubes where possible Glass doors for interior rooms to allow light flow These approaches are particularly important in Windsor's climate, where winter days are shorter and maximizing natural light improves both energy efficiency and mood. Professional basement renovations often include lighting plans to address this common challenge. Flooring Options for Windsor Basements Selecting the right basement flooring is crucial for comfort and durability. 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Effective HVAC solutions include: In-floor radiant heating for consistent warmth Extended forced-air ductwork from existing systems Ductless mini-split systems for independent control Proper insulation on foundation walls (minimum R-20) Ceiling insulation where basements have exposed joists or drop ceiling Energy-efficient windows and doors to prevent heat loss Windsor's temperature swings from hot, humid summers to cold winters make proper HVAC planning essential for basement comfort. Popular Basement Design Trends in Windsor-Essex Multi-Functional Spaces: Today's Windsor homeowners are creating versatile basement spaces that serve multiple functions: Open concept areas that can be reconfigured as needs change Flex spaces that transition from home office by day to entertainment space by evening Partial room dividers that define areas without blocking light Built-in storage that maximizes space efficiency Murphy beds or sleeper sofas for occasional guest accommodations These flexible designs are particularly valuable in Windsor's housing market, where adaptable living space adds significant home value. Many basement renovations now focus on creating these versatile spaces. Entertainment and Recreation Areas: Many Windsor families prioritize entertainment spaces in their guide to finishing your basement: Home theaters with proper sound insulation Gaming areas with durable flooring and good lighting Wet bars or kitchenettes for entertaining Wine cellars or beverage centers Exercise areas with appropriate flooring and ventilation Homestyle Renovations has created numerous award-winning entertainment spaces in Windsor basements, helping homeowners bring their recreation dreams to life with impressive finishing touches. Working With Professional Basement Contractors Selecting the Right Renovation Partner When choosing a contractor for your Windsor basement renovation project , it's best to hire a certified professional and consider these factors: Experience with basement-specific challenges in Windsor-Essex Proper licensing and insurance Knowledge of local building codes and permit processes References from recent basement projects Transparency in pricing and timelines Communication style and responsiveness Warranty offerings on completed work The right local home improvement contractor makes all the difference in achieving a successful basement transformation that will stand the test of time in Windsor's challenging climate. Project Timeline Expectations: A typical full basement finishing in Windsor takes approximately: Planning and design: 2-4 weeks Permitting: 2-3 weeks Demolition: 3-5 days Rough-in work (framing, electrical, plumbing): 2-3 weeks Insulation and drywall: 1-2 weeks Flooring installation: 3-5 days Finishing work: 1-2 weeks Final inspections: 1 week Total timeline: 8-12 weeks for most comprehensive basement renovations, though simple finishing projects may require less time. Start Your Basement Renovation Today! A well-executed basement renovation can transform your Windsor home, adding valuable living space and increasing your property's market value. From addressing the unique moisture challenges of our region to creating a design that meets your family's needs, Homestyle Renovations has the expertise to guide you through every step of renovating a basement. With proper planning, appropriate waterproofing solutions, and thoughtful design choices, your finished basement can become one of the most enjoyable spaces in your Windsor home, providing comfort and functionality for years to come. Contact Us today to discuss your basement renovation dreams and turn them into reality.
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