While inheriting an old home can feel like a privilege, the level of repair that the home needs can instantly suck the joy out of this gift. Inheriting a home, especially one you grew up in, can raise a lot of unexpected emotions. Add to this the cost of remodeling and outfitting the house, and the financial burden can feel especially onerous if you’re managing these costs out-of-pocket. Understanding this, we’ve put together the following tips to help you get some ideas on how to make your inherited property feel like a home.
Let an HVAC tech run upgrades on the HVAC unit.
Most old homes will need to be retrofitted with energy-efficient HVAC systems, and a professional HVAC technician can help with this. To reduce your energy bill, keep your AC running efficiently by keeping your outdoor unit clear of debris. Broken branches and raked leaves are just some of the debris that can lodge into your outdoor AC unit and prevent it from running efficiently. To prevent this build-up. have an HVAC technician inspect your home for dirty filters and other concerns on a regular basis.
To further save on your energy bill, you’ll also want to optimize your home’s cool air. To do this, ensure that your home’s windows are weather-stripped. The quality of your window dressing and the make of your thermostat can also affect the efficiency of your air conditioner, so try and have two layers of curtains or blinds to avoid excessive heat gain or loss through your home’s windows. To do this, keep your blinds drawn during the day, and let your curtain sheers do the work of illuminating your home. At night, invest in heavy blinds or thick curtains to retain heat. Investing in a programmable thermostat can also help you save on your energy bill and improve the house’s energy efficiency.
Inspect the building for wood damage.
As you look through parts of the home, pay special attention to the home’s exterior. Start by looking at window frames, handrails, siding, and other pieces made from wood. These elements tend to experience some wear and tear over the years, but more than this, they’re susceptible to rot and decay from continuous exposure to the elements and moisture. Again, your window contractor can help you with these replacements.
Have a professional inspect your electrical ductwork.
As a homeowner, you should prioritize having your home’s electrical duct system upgraded as part of our home energy audit. First, you want to make sure that your breaker box is up-to-date. This is because older model electrical boxes such as this run the risk of overheating and possible fire. This, in turn, could affect your home’s AC’s efficiency and run up your home’s energy costs. To avoid this, have an electrician upgrade your electrical system to a more energy-efficient model.
Give the kitchen a facelift.
The kitchen is one of the most expensive spaces to remodel, but all things considered, it carries the most weight. Most common injuries in kitchens result from slips and falls, cuts from sharp objects, and stovetop burns. To avoid falling victim to these common injuries, consider buying new kitchen appliances. Alternatively, consider upgrading frequently the most used appliances such as the microwave, refrigerator, or oven.
Whether you decide to keep the house, sell it, or rent it out, there are a significant number of renovations you’ll have to make to ensure that the home is accident-free and able to be lived in happily. Following these tips will help you get an idea of where to begin with your renovations.
