Many people prefer to restore an old house instead of building a new one. The charm and elegance presented by this type of building seduce lovers of the ancestral style. Are you one of these people? Have you fallen in love with an old house and decided to buy it? Of course, it is your responsibility to do some work to restore the original elements of the house. Which parts should be kept during the restoration? So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the things you need to know about home restoration.

The floor plan

In the past, houses were designed so that the circulation between the living spaces was quite fluid. It was easy to move between the main entrance, the living room, the kitchen, and the secondary entrance. In modern homes, the renovation done by some homeowners turns many things on their heads. The added elements complicate the way each part of the home is used. 

In order to maintain the original look of the building as a whole, it is recommended to keep the floor plan as much as possible. In some cases, restoring elements that were removed during the previous renovation may even be necessary. As an example, the open kitchen has been in vogue since the 1970s. Homeowners no longer want a dining room. This room was characteristic of an ancestral home. It’s time to put it back in its place.

The floor coverings

The floor is one of the elements that make the difference between a traditional and modern house. In older homes, the floor is covered with natural materials that add character to the entire room.

Tiles

Made of terracotta, this flooring was practically present in most old buildings. Long considered obsolete, terracotta tiles are now making a comeback to the elegant look of traditional homes. Offering multiple advantages, they perfectly dress up the floor to increase the aesthetic value of your home. In addition, this type of flooring is much less expensive on the market. You might as well take advantage of it!

Parquet flooring

The warmth of the parquet has allowed it to be easily found in old houses. In addition, it offers an authentic aspect that seduces home visitors more. A great asset if you consider a later resale of your acquisition. Hungarian stitch floors are more frequently found in older buildings, especially those with a Haussmannian style. If you enjoy this type of housing, it is better to keep this flooring instead of replacing it. This way, you contribute to the preservation of natural resources.

Decorative elements: moldings

One of the characteristic elements of Haussmann apartments is decorative molding. This one testifies to the history of the place and is the result of the hard work of a craftsman. Therefore, it is an undeniable asset for your home that would be a shame to separate you from. Decorative moldings can be found in the corners, the center of the ceilings, the walls, or the door frames.

Exterior woodwork

If you have a house built a century ago, rejoice because you have obtained a rare gem. Woodwork such as doors and windows is worth keeping instead of changing. They just need to be reinforced by adding double glazing for windows, for example. The old glazing, as well as the damaged parts, can still be restored by professionals.

In case it is impossible to keep the old windows and doors, try to find new ones that have the same configuration. There are copies of the original windows and doors on the market that will keep the primary look of your home.

On the other hand, the doors may well need new locks. This is something that should not be overlooked when it comes to improving the security of your home. Finally, don’t hesitate to caulk your windows and doors to improve your thermal comfort. This technique is very popular because it ensures good thermal insulation, which will reduce your energy consumption.

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